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New Blood Pressure Treatment Shows Promise for Resistant Hypertension Patients

New Blood Pressure Treatment Shows Promise for Resistant Hypertension Patients

A new medication, baxdrostat, has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing blood pressure among patients whose hypertension remains uncontrolled despite existing treatments. This development emerged from a Phase III clinical trial led by Professor Bryan Williams at the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science. The trial, known as BaxHTN, involved nearly 800 patients across 214 clinics worldwide and was funded by AstraZeneca. The results, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, revealed that patients taking baxdrostat experienced an average blood pressure reduction of 9 to 10 mmHg more than those on a placebo. Approximately 40% of these patients achieved healthy blood pressure levels, compared to less than 20% in the placebo group. Baxdrostat works by inhibiting the production of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates salt and water levels, thereby addressing a key factor in hypertension.
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New Drug Baxdrostat Shows Promise in Reducing Resistant High Blood Pressure

New Drug Baxdrostat Shows Promise in Reducing Resistant High Blood Pressure

A new medication, baxdrostat, has been found to significantly reduce blood pressure in patients whose levels remain high despite taking multiple existing drugs. This discovery comes from a Phase III clinical trial led by Professor Bryan Williams at the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science. The trial, known as BaxHTN, involved nearly 800 patients across 214 clinics worldwide and was funded by AstraZeneca. The results, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that patients taking baxdrostat experienced an average drop in blood pressure of about 9 to 10 mmHg more than those on a placebo. This reduction is significant enough to lower the risk of cardiovascular events. Baxdrostat works by blocking the production of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates salt and water levels in the body, which in excess can lead to high blood pressure.
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Novo Nordisk's Wegovy Approved by UK Regulator for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

Novo Nordisk's Wegovy Approved by UK Regulator for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

Novo Nordisk's drug Wegovy has been recommended by England's drug price regulator, NICE, for use in adults who have previously experienced a heart attack, stroke, or serious circulation problem in the legs, and who have a BMI of at least 27. This recommendation is based on the drug's potential to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. Wegovy, primarily a weight loss treatment, is now approved for reducing cardiovascular risks in people with overweight or obesity. This decision will expand access to Wegovy on the UK's National Health Service (NHS), potentially benefiting around 1.2 million people. Clinical trials have shown that patients taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, were 20% less likely to have a serious cardiovascular event compared to those on a placebo.
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EMA Proposes Virtual Models to Reduce Animal Testing in Medicines Development

EMA Proposes Virtual Models to Reduce Animal Testing in Medicines Development

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is seeking input on a proposal to reduce animal testing in medicines development by using virtual models. The proposal involves replacing traditional animal models with virtual control groups (VCGs) in dose range finding toxicology testing. This initiative is part of a broader effort to develop new approach methodologies (NAMs) that aim to reduce animal use in toxicology research. The proposal, filed by Synapse Research Management Partners in collaboration with several pharmaceutical companies, is open for consultation until May 12. The EMA's move aligns with global trends to shift towards more human-centric technologies in medical research.
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Study Reveals Avocado and Mango as Heart-Healthy Superfood Duo

Study Reveals Avocado and Mango as Heart-Healthy Superfood Duo

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association highlights the heart health benefits of consuming avocados and mangos together. The study involved adults with prediabetes who consumed one avocado and one cup of mango daily for eight weeks. Results showed improved blood vessel function and diastolic blood pressure. This combination is rich in monounsaturated fats and dietary fiber, essential for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and regulating blood sugar. The findings suggest that small dietary changes can significantly impact cardiovascular health, offering a simple way to enhance heart function.
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PureTech Publishes Phase 2b Trial Results for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment

PureTech Publishes Phase 2b Trial Results for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment

PureTech Health has announced the publication of Phase 2b ELEVATE IPF trial results in The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The trial evaluated deupirfenidone for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), showing significant slowing of lung function decline compared to placebo. The study included a current standard-of-care treatment as an active comparator, enhancing the interpretation of efficacy and safety findings. Celea Therapeutics, a PureTech entity, plans to initiate a Phase 3 trial in 2026.
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Mass General Brigham Study Finds Solriamfetol Improves Alertness in Early Morning Shift Workers

Mass General Brigham Study Finds Solriamfetol Improves Alertness in Early Morning Shift Workers

A clinical trial conducted by researchers at Mass General Brigham has demonstrated that the drug solriamfetol (Sunosi) can significantly improve alertness in early morning shift workers suffering from shift work disorder. This condition, which affects individuals working outside the typical 9 to 5 schedule, is characterized by disrupted sleep patterns and persistent daytime sleepiness. The study, published in NEJM Evidence, involved 78 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either solriamfetol or a placebo over a four-week period. Results showed that those taking solriamfetol experienced less sleepiness and improved performance during simulated work hours. The drug, already approved for treating excessive sleepiness in conditions like obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy, was found to promote alertness without significantly disrupting later sleep.
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Cures Within Reach Utilizes Small Grants to Advance Drug Repurposing Efforts

Cures Within Reach Utilizes Small Grants to Advance Drug Repurposing Efforts

Cures Within Reach, a Chicago-based nonprofit, is pioneering the use of small grants to support early-stage clinical trials for drug repurposing. This approach focuses on testing existing drugs for new therapeutic uses, which is faster and less costly than developing new drugs. Despite the potential benefits, large pharmaceutical companies often overlook these opportunities due to expired patents and limited commercial incentives. The nonprofit's model involves funding small proof-of-concept trials to generate initial data, which can then attract larger investments for further research. This strategy has been effective in bridging the 'valley of death'—the funding gap between promising lab results and human trials. Cures Within Reach has successfully leveraged its $12 million in grants to secure $145 million in follow-on investments, demonstrating the potential of small-scale funding to catalyze significant advancements in medical research.
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Vascarta Reports Positive Results for Curcumin Gel in Knee Osteoarthritis Trial

Vascarta Reports Positive Results for Curcumin Gel in Knee Osteoarthritis Trial

Vascarta Reports Positive Results for Curcumin Gel in Knee Osteoarthritis Trial
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Activist Mahmoud Khalil wants ex-Justice Department official off panel of judges weighing his appeal

Activist Mahmoud Khalil wants ex-Justice Department official off panel of judges weighing his appeal

Lawyers for Mahmoud Khalil, the former Columbia University graduate student fighting deportation, have asked Judge Emil Bove to step aside from an appellate panel that could weigh in on his case because of Bove’s previous role as a top Justice Department official involved in investigating student protesters
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Mahmoud Khalil Seeks Recusal of Ex-Justice Dept. Official from Appeal Panel

Mahmoud Khalil Seeks Recusal of Ex-Justice Dept. Official from Appeal Panel

Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student facing deportation, has requested the recusal of Judge Emil Bove from the appellate panel reviewing his case. Khalil's lawyers argue that Bove's previous role as a top Justice Department official involved in immigration enforcement against student protesters presents a conflict of interest. Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist, was arrested under a statute allowing for the expulsion of noncitizens deemed threats to U.S. foreign policy. He remains in the U.S. while appealing a ruling that supports his deportation.
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PureTech Publishes Phase 2b ELEVATE IPF Trial Results in AJRCCM

PureTech Publishes Phase 2b ELEVATE IPF Trial Results in AJRCCM

PureTech Health has announced the publication of results from its Phase 2b ELEVATE IPF trial in The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The trial evaluated deupirfenidone for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), showing significant slowing of lung function decline compared to placebo. The results informed the design of the upcoming Phase 3 SURPASS-IPF trial, which will compare deupirfenidone to pirfenidone in a head-to-head study. PureTech's entity, Celea Therapeutics, is preparing to initiate the Phase 3 trial in 2026.