New Drug Shows Long-Term Blood Pressure Control in Certain Patients

A new drug, Baxdrostat, may offer long-term blood pressure control for certain patients, with effects lasting up to two years after stopping treatment, potentially curing hypertension in some cases. In a small study, 15 patients with primary aldosteronism, a condition causing excess aldosterone hormone, saw significant blood pressure reductions. Fourteen continued treatment for six to twelve months, and their blood pressure remained lower up to two years after discontinuation, with some ceasing all medication. Researchers suspect the drug may permanently disable the underlying cause by inhibiting an enzyme needed for aldosterone production. While experts urge caution, larger studies could fundamentally change treatment for this condition, which affects five to ten percent of hypertension cases.