AstraZeneca reports positive Phase III data for baxdrostat in resistant hypertension

AstraZeneca has announced new Phase III clinical data showing that baxdrostat, an investigational oral aldosterone synthase inhibitor, significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled or resistant hypertension. Results from the BaxHTN Phase III trial, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a placebo-adjusted reduction of 9.8 mmHg in seated systolic blood pressure at 12 weeks, with secondary endpoints also met.

Targeting Aldosterone to Address Resistant Hypertension

Baxdrostat directly inhibits aldosterone production, offering a targeted approach for patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite multiple therapies. Additional Phase III findings from the Bax24 study were presented at the American Heart Association Global Conference, reinforcing the drug’s potential role as a next-generation therapy for hard-to-treat hypertension.

High Disease Burden Highlights Need for New Therapies

Hypertension remains a major public health challenge in India, contributing significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with uncontrolled blood pressure linked to large proportions of stroke and coronary deaths. Despite available treatments, control rates remain low, underscoring the unmet need for innovative therapies such as baxdrostat and ongoing research to identify patients most likely to benefit.