High blood pressure is one of the most common health problems in the world. It affects about 1.3 billion people and is a major cause of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and early death.
For many people, blood pressure can be controlled with lifestyle changes and medication. However, a large number of patients continue to have dangerously high blood pressure even after taking several different drugs.
A new study led by researchers at University College London offers hope for these patients. The study tested a new medication called baxdrostat, which may help people whose blood pressure remains high despite treatment.
The research was part of a large international clinical trial known as BaxHTN. It included nearly 800 patients from more than 200 clinics around the world. All participants had difficult-to-control high blood pressure, even though they were already taking multiple medications.
The trial lasted 12 weeks, and participants were given either baxdrostat or a placebo. The results were very promising. People who took baxdrostat experienced a drop in blood pressure that was about 9 to 10 mmHg greater than those who took the placebo.
This level of reduction is important because even small decreases in blood pressure can significantly lower the risk of heart disease.
In addition, about 40 percent of patients taking baxdrostat reached healthy blood pressure levels. In comparison, fewer than 20 percent of patients in the placebo group achieved similar results.
The study was led by Professor Bryan Williams and was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025. It was also published in the New England Journal of Medicine, one of the most respected medical journals.
To understand how this drug works, it is important to know about a hormone called aldosterone. This hormone helps control the balance of salt and water in the body. In some people, the body produces too much aldosterone. This causes the body to retain extra salt and water, which raises blood pressure and makes it harder to treat.
Baxdrostat works by blocking the production of aldosterone. By targeting this key cause of high blood pressure, the drug offers a new way to treat patients who do not respond well to existing medications.
The researchers also found that the effects of baxdrostat lasted over time. Blood pressure improvements continued for up to 32 weeks, and no unexpected safety problems were reported.
This is important because many current treatments do not work well for all patients. Experts estimate that about half of people with high blood pressure do not have it under control. This number may be even higher as doctors now aim for lower target blood pressure levels than in the past.
The global impact of high blood pressure is growing. While it was once more common in Western countries, it is now increasing rapidly in Asia and lower-income regions. Millions of people in countries such as China and India are affected.
The researchers believe that this new drug could help a large number of people worldwide. It may offer a new option for patients who have struggled to control their blood pressure with existing treatments.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about what to eat and to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the connection between potato and high blood pressure, and how to eat your way to healthy blood pressure.
Source: University College London.
