New drug lorundrostat significantly lowers blood pressure in clinical trial

In a recent clinical trial, researchers developed an experimental drug named lorundrostat, aimed at treating individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, particularly in North America. Approximately half of U.S. adults are affected by hypertension, yet less than 25% manage to control it effectively. The trial took place during the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology, held in Chicago, where experts presented the encouraging results. Notably, the study included a significant percentage of Black participants, a group identified to be particularly at risk of high blood pressure. This diversity is considered a crucial aspect of the trial, as Black individuals generally react well to medications targeting blood pressure regulation. In this particular study, participants were already undergoing standard treatment regimens for hypertension but were given additional doses of lorundrostat to assess its efficacy. The patients, who received a lower dose of 50 milligrams of the drug, exhibited an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 15.4 points, while those who received a placebo showed only a 7.4-point decrease, leading to a net decrease attributable to the drug of 8 points. This notable reduction indicates a prospective benefit in preventing conditions such as heart attacks and strokes in the future. The clinical trial, funded by Mineralys Therapeutics, signifies the advancing efforts in the development of new drugs targeting hypertension. Lorundrostat belongs to a class of medications known as aldosterone synthase inhibitors, which are receiving attention as potential game-changers for patients who struggle with existing treatments. The drug may become available on the market within the next 12 to 18 months, pending further research and approvals from regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration. Nevertheless, it's important for patients to remain vigilant, as those treated with lorundrostat were more likely to experience elevated potassium levels, a condition that can lead to serious health issues like abnormal heart rhythms. Researchers, including Dr. Oscar Cingolani, emphasize the need for long-term studies to further understand the safety and effectiveness of lorundrostat in comparison with traditional hypertension treatments. The potential for this drug to revolutionize the management of uncontrolled hypertension is significant, especially given the alarming statistics indicating widespread ineffectiveness of current medications in controlling blood pressure across various populations.