Researchers presented findings at the American College of Cardiology’s annual meeting in Chicago regarding a new medication called lorundrostat that may help lower blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The Phase 2b clinical trial showed that patients who took lorundrostat along with other hypertension drugs experienced a greater decrease in systolic blood pressure compared to those who received a placebo.
Current statistics show that many adults in the U.S. have hypertension but are unable to control their blood pressure levels effectively. Uncontrolled hypertension is associated with a higher risk of serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Lorundrostat, an aldosterone synthase inhibitor, works by reducing the synthesis of aldosterone in the adrenal glands, leading to reduced salt levels and lower blood pressure.
The trial included a diverse group of participants, with over half being Black individuals, who are at a higher risk of hypertension. Results showed that patients who received lorundrostat along with standard hypertension medications experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure compared to those who received a placebo. The drug is currently in the final stages of clinical trials and may be available within the next 12 to 18 months.
However, patients taking lorundrostat did show an increased risk of developing high potassium levels, which can lead to abnormal heart rhythms. Experts recommend monitoring potassium levels closely in patients taking the medication. Further long-term studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lorundrostat compared to existing medications for hypertension.
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