Blood Pressure Management: Newly-revealed medication demonstrates promising efficiency
A Groundbreaking Study Unveils a New Approach to Tackle Refractory High Blood Pressure
It's all about the aldosterone synthase inhibitor, lorundrostat, that's making waves in the global clinical trial circuit.
High blood pressure, a silent killer, affects millions worldwide, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. In some cases, the condition persists despite multiple medications - a condition known as resistant hypertension.
Up to 15% of hypertension cases are associated with abnormal aldosterone regulation. Aldosterone, a hormone that controls blood pressure, can cause hypertension when levels are elevated due to dysregulation.
A revolutionary study presented at the 34th European Meeting on Hypertension and Cardiovascular Protection has shed light on lorundrostat, a potential game-changer in treating resistant hypertension.
Lorundrostat holds the power to lower aldosterone levels by obstructing CYP11B2, the enzyme fueling its production.
In the Launch-HTN trial, lorundrostat demonstrated safety and effectiveness in a diverse group of patients with uncontrolled or resistant hypertension. These findings mark the first significant footstep in the development of a targeted aldosterone synthase inhibitor for these conditions, says study lead investigator Dr. Manish Saxena, MD, Clinical Co-Director of the William Harvey Heart Centre at Queen Mary University of London.
"The Launch-HTN trial is the largest phase 3 hypertension study with a novel drug. We tested lorundostat in a large, diverse patient population recruited globally and found that it has good safety profile and lowered blood pressure consistently in all of our patient groups," Saxena shared with Medical News Today.
Taking Control with Lorundrostat
Lorundrostat works by targeting the source of the problem, curbing the production of aldosterone in the body. The findings from the Launch-HTN trial unveil promising reductions in systolic blood pressure for heavily treated patients.
Saxena explains, "Hormone aldosterone secreted from adrenal glands in the body plays an important role in driving blood pressure. Lorundrostat blocks biosynthesis of hormone aldosterone in the body and helps reduce blood pressure."
Lorundrostat: Making a Difference in Real-world Scenarios
The Launch-HTN trial, a global, Phase 3 study, was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. It involved adult participants whose blood pressure remained uncontrolled despite taking two to five antihypertensive medications. Based on automated office blood pressure (AOBP) measurements and allowing participants to continue their existing treatments, lorundrostat shown consistent reductions in systolic blood pressure results that are not just observable in ideal conditions but also in real-world clinical practice.
"The LAUNCH-HTN trial demonstrated blood pressure lowering efficacy and safety of lorundrostat in a very diverse patient group with uncontrolled and difficult to treat hypertension that were on background 2-5 blood pressure lowering medication. The blood pressure reduction observed was consistent across key sub-groups, significant, and clinically meaningful," Saxena explained.
A New Era in Hypertension Management
The launch of lorundrostat could pave the way for a new generation of hypertension treatments, giving hope to those battling difficult-to-control blood pressure. With further research and clinical trials underway, we stand on the precipice of a potential breakthrough in managing hypertension more effectively and addressing the ongoing burden on global public health.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this exciting development!
[1] Advance-HTN Trial Results: https://www.newswise.com/articles/boosting-blood-pressure-control-with-smaller-dose-of-alsi-drug[2] Launch-HTN Trial Results: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/959173[3] Tackling Hypertension: An Interview with Manish Saxena, MD: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-09-tackling-hypertension-interview-manish-saxena.html
- The novel drug lorundrostat, an aldosterone synthase inhibitor, is being hailed as a potential game-changer in managing refractory hypertension, a chronic medical condition that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other chronic diseases.
- The Launch-HTN trial, a large, global, phase 3 study, showcases the safety and effectiveness of lorundrostat in lowering blood pressure in a diverse group of patients with uncontrolled or resistant hypertension.
- By curbing the production of aldosterone, a hormone that contributes to high blood pressure, lorundrostat offers a targeted approach in the management of hypertension, a key component of health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise routines.
- The findings from the Launch-HTN trial suggest promising reductions in systolic blood pressure for heavily treated patients, potentially marking a significant step forward in the treatment of hypertension and improving cardiovascular health.
- As further research and clinical trials continue to explore the potential of lorundrostat, there is growing optimism for a new era in the management of hypertension, offering hope for those battling difficult-to-control blood pressure and addressing the ongoing burden on global public health, nutrition, and science.
