New hope for patients with treatment-resistant hypertension
Research into a new and promising drug for uncontrolled, treatment-resistant hypertension has been recognised on JAMA’s Research of the Year list. The award highlights research that informed clinical practice, advanced science, and captured global attention for its impact and relevance to patients, clinicians, and the public health community.
The research, led by Dr Manish Saxena at Barts Health NHS Trust in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London, focuses on lorundrostat, a new drug designed to treat high blood pressure caused by problems with aldosterone - a hormone that regulates blood pressure control but can cause harm when levels are too high or dysregulated. Many people with this condition do not respond well to existing treatments.
High levels of aldosterone are a common but often overlooked cause of hard-to-treat hypertension. By directly reducing aldosterone production, lorundrostat offers a new option for patients whose blood pressure remains high despite taking several medications.
Results from the Launch-HTN phase 3 clinical trial, published in JAMA, showed that adding lorundrostat to usual treatment lowered blood pressure more effectively than placebo in adults with uncontrolled and treatment-resistant hypertension.
Being named on JAMA’s Research of the Year list recognises research that has the potential to change clinical care and improve outcomes for large numbers of patients. This is especially important for high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke worldwide.
Dr Manish Saxena, Hypertension Specialist at Barts Health and Clinical Co-Director of the William Harvey Heart Centre at Queen Mary University of London, said:
“This recognition reflects the need for better treatments for people whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled. Targeting aldosterone offers a promising new approach that could make a real difference for patients.”
Further studies and regulatory review are planned as researchers continue to explore how this new treatment could be used in everyday clinical practice.
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