Longevity & AgingFDA Approves First-in-Class Blood Pressure Pill That Targets Aldosterone at the Source
The FDA has approved baxdrostat (Baxfendy), a first-in-class oral drug that lowers blood pressure by blocking aldosterone synthase, the enzyme that produces a hormone driving sodium retention and high blood pressure. Unlike older drugs that block the hormone's receptor, baxdrostat stops aldosterone from being made in the first place. In a phase III trial, patients with uncontrolled hypertension on at least two existing medications saw systolic blood pressure drop by roughly 15 mmHg over 12 weeks — nearly three times the placebo effect. About 40% reached a healthy systolic reading below 130 mmHg, versus 19% on placebo. The drug is intended as an add-on therapy for adults whose blood pressure remains difficult to control despite existing treatments.
