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In a major breakthrough, AstraZeneca has developed a new drug that has shown remarkable success in reducing blood pressure by up to 10 points in clinical trials
The reduction in blood pressure was not temporary, as patients maintained the improvement for at least 32 weeks. (AI Generated)
More than 1.3 billion people worldwide suffer from blood pressure-related issues, with nearly half battling hypertension. This condition, where blood pushes too strongly against vessel walls, can trigger life-threatening illnesses such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
Now, in a major breakthrough, scientists have developed a new drug, Baxdrostat, which has shown remarkable success in reducing blood pressure in clinical trials.
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According to The Guardian, Baxdrostat, developed by AstraZeneca, has been proven to quickly lower dangerously high blood pressure levels, particularly in patients whose condition remains uncontrolled despite multiple medications. In trials, the drug reduced blood pressure by up to 10 points, offering new hope to millions.
The treatment was tested on 796 patients worldwide as part of an international study across 214 clinics. Lead researcher Professor Brian Williams of the University of California said the phase three trial results were “unprecedented”, with patients experiencing an average reduction of 9–10 mmHg in systolic blood pressure. He explained that such a drop has not been achieved with any existing drugs, making it a significant medical milestone.
Researchers highlight that the reduction was not just temporary. Blood pressure improvements continued for at least 32 weeks, and no serious side effects were observed during the study.
How The Drug Works
The effectiveness of Baxdrostat lies in its ability to block aldosterone, a hormone that plays a central role in controlling blood pressure. In some people, excessive aldosterone production prevents the kidneys from expelling enough water and sodium, raising blood pressure to dangerous levels. By halting the production of this hormone, Baxdrostat tackles one of the root causes of hypertension.
Patients in the trial were given either 1mg or 2mg of Baxdrostat daily for 12 weeks. Results showed that four in ten patients taking the drug achieved normal blood pressure levels, compared with fewer than two in ten patients on placebo.
Professor Williams said this discovery could pave the way for a new era in hypertension treatment, greatly reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and kidney disease for millions of patients worldwide.
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Author: News18
