What's Happening?
AstraZeneca has announced positive results from its BaxHTN Phase III trial, demonstrating that baxdrostat significantly reduces systolic blood pressure in patients with hard-to-control hypertension. The trial, which included doses of 2mg and 1mg, showed a placebo-adjusted reduction of 9.8 mmHg and 8.7 mmHg respectively at 12 weeks. The findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Baxdrostat was well tolerated with no unexpected safety issues, and it also met all secondary endpoints, including long-term blood pressure reduction. The trial highlights the role of aldosterone in hypertension and the potential of baxdrostat as a novel treatment option.
Why It's Important?
The results of the BaxHTN Phase III trial are significant as they address the challenge of managing hard-to-control hypertension, a condition affecting millions in the U.S. Despite multiple treatments, many patients fail to achieve adequate blood pressure control, increasing their risk of cardiovascular events. Baxdrostat's ability to lower systolic blood pressure by nearly 10 mmHg could substantially reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. This development underscores the importance of targeting aldosterone, a hormone linked to hypertension, and could lead to new treatment protocols that improve patient outcomes.
What's Next?
AstraZeneca plans to advance regulatory filings for baxdrostat with health authorities in the coming months. The company is also progressing with a robust clinical development program to explore baxdrostat's potential in other conditions where aldosterone plays a key role, such as chronic kidney disease and heart failure prevention. The Bax24 Phase III trial, which evaluates the 24-hour ambulatory effects of baxdrostat, is expected to report results later this year, potentially expanding the drug's application in hypertension management.
