Baxdrostat, a small molecule inhibitor of the hormone, aldosterone, achieved a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure in a Phase 3 trial, confirming its efficacy as a treatment for patients with hard-to-control hypertension. The data were presented on 9 November at the American Heart Association meeting in New Orleans, US. The developer, AstraZeneca Plc, is expected to start regulatory submissions by the end of the year.
Called Bax24, the trial enrolled 218 patients with resistant hypertension who were randomised to receive either baxdrostat or placebo once per day over the course of 12 weeks. Patients in both groups received the drug or a placebo on top of the current standard of care. The primary endpoint was the change in ambulatory 24-hour average systolic blood pressure at week 12. At the time of measurement, patients had achieved a statistically significant reduction of 14.0 mmHg in blood pressure.
In a statement, Bryan Williams of University College London and primary investigator for the trial, said the reduction in 24-hour systolic blood pressure could transform treatment practice, noting that just over 70% of baxdrostat patients also achieved guideline targets consistently over 24 hours.
The aldosterone hormone is a key contributor to high blood pressure by promoting the retention of sodium and water. Over time, resistant hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.
Baxdrostat entered AstraZeneca’s portfolio when the company acquired CinCor Pharma Inc of the US in February 2023.
Copyright 2025 Evernow Publishing Ltd