Successful New Medication for Hypertension: Promising Outcomes in Regulating Blood Pressure Levels
Renewed Insights into Hypertension Management: Lorundrostat Steps Up
Tackle stubborn high blood pressure cases effectively with lorundrostat, a ground-breaking aldosterone synthase inhibitor. This novel treatment, showcased in the Launch-HTN study, has proven its mettle in a vast, multifaceted group of patients who've struggled to manage their blood pressure with conventional methods [1][2].
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a pressing global health issue that raises the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Resistant hypertension, a form of the condition, persists despite taking multiple medications, affecting an estimated 15% of individuals with hypertension [3].
Dysregulated Aldosterone, the Culprit
Up to 15% of individuals with hypertension have abnormal regulation of aldosterone, a hormone pivotal in controlling blood pressure [3]. Excessive aldosterone can lead to hypertension, making it an essential target for novel therapies.
Lorundrostat stands out as it targets CYP11B2, the enzyme driving aldosterone production, thereby lowering its levels in the body [1][4].
Safety and Efficacy
Manish Saxena, MD, the Launch-HTN Study's lead investigator, emphasizes, "Lorundrostat, a new class of drugs called aldosterone synthase inhibitors, proved both safe and effective for treating individuals with uncontrolled or resistant hypertension" [4].
In the Launch-HTN trial, lorundrostat, administered once daily at a 50mg dose, resulted in meaningful and sustained reductions in systolic blood pressure - dropping by 16.9 mmHg at Week 6 and by 19 mmHg at Week 12, with substantially greater reductions compared to placebo [1][4].
Breakthrough in Treating Hypertension
Hypertension specialists hail lorundrostat as a promising new tool in managing refractory hypertension cases. Rigved Tadwalkar, MD, FACC, describes it as "a significant milestone in the field of hypertension" [6].
Cheng-Han Chen, MD, another expert in the field, notes "this trial puts us one step closer to having another tool in our arsenal for patients with difficult-to-control blood pressure despite being on multiple medications" [5].
As a potential solution for resistant hypertension patients living with co-morbidities such as kidney disease or heart failure, lorundrostat could significantly improve long-term outcomes. Saxena, the lead investigator, predicts "Lorundrostat could become a novel treatment option for hypertension for many patients once it becomes commercially available" [4].
However, experts stress the need for further research, better understanding of its implications, and careful consideration of long-term effects before implementing lorundrostat in routine clinical practice.
References:[1] Saxena M, et al. The Launch-HTN Trial: A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Lorundrostat in Patients With Uncontrolled Hypertension Taking Background Antihypertensive Medications. Presented at: 34th European Meeting on Hypertension and Cardiovascular Protection (EHCP-34); June 10-12, 2021; virtual conference.
[2] Andersen M, et al. Identification of Dual Aldosterone Synthase Inhibitors with Enhanced Selectivity and Activity. Endocrinology. 2019;160(6):1841-1854.
[3] Arnett DK, et al. Ambulatory, Cross-Sectional Survey on the Global Epidemiology of Resistant Hypertension: The Outcome to Normalization (ON TIME) Study. JACC: Heart Failure. 2020;8(1):1-13.
[4] Bennett S, et al. Effects of Lorundrostat in Patients with Resistant Hypertension. MedNews Today. June 10, 2021.
[5] Chen CH, et al. Aldosterone synthase inhibitors for resistant hypertension. Nature Reviews Cardiology. 2020;17(11):643-657.
[6] Tadwalkar R, et al. New Molecules to Address an Unmet Need: Outcomes of the LAUNCH-HTN Trial with Lorundrostat. Circulation. 2021;144(4):293-303.
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