Baxdrostat shows blood pressure benefits lasting two years after stopping treatment

A new drug, baxdrostat, has shown it can lower blood pressure for up to two years after patients stop taking it, potentially curing some cases of hypertension. The findings were presented by researchers at Queen Mary University of London. The medication works by blocking the production of aldosterone, a hormone that can cause high blood pressure when produced in excess. In a study, nearly a quarter of patients who took the daily pills for six to 12 months came off all treatment and maintained completely normal blood pressure. Baxdrostat is currently being evaluated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and could be available through the NHS next year. A larger trial is underway to confirm whether the drug can permanently cure the condition, which affects about 16 million people in the UK.