Scientists have developed a new drug named Baxdrostat, which has been found effective in patients with resistant hypertension, meaning high blood pressure that is difficult to control. In research, patient blood pressure decreased by up to 40% in 12 weeks, with no serious side effects observed. This drug could also prove helpful in preventing heart attacks and strokes.
New Drug Baxdrostat: In a research conducted in America and Europe, a new drug called Baxdrostat has raised new hopes in the treatment of high blood pressure. A clinical trial involving 214 patients found that those whose blood pressure was not controlled by conventional medications experienced a drop of up to 40% in 12 weeks with this drug. Baxdrostat works by blocking the hormone aldosterone in the body, which helps in expelling excess sodium, thereby lowering blood pressure. Experts believe that this drug could reduce the risk of serious diseases like heart attack and stroke in the future. In countries like India, where high blood pressure is rapidly increasing, this drug could prove to be a boon for patients.
What is Baxdrostat?
Baxdrostat is a new type of drug specifically developed for patients whose blood pressure cannot be controlled with conventional medications. This drug inhibits a specific hormone produced in the body called aldosterone. Aldosterone increases the amount of sodium and water in the body, leading to elevated blood pressure. Baxdrostat suppresses the activity of this hormone, allowing the body to excrete excess sodium. This process naturally leads to a reduction in blood pressure.
What emerged from the research?
In clinical trials conducted in America and Europe, this drug was tested on 214 patients. These were patients whose blood pressure was not being controlled even with conventional medications. They were administered Baxdrostat for 12 weeks. The results were astounding. Within 12 weeks, the blood pressure of these patients decreased by approximately 40 percent. Most importantly, no serious side effects were observed with this drug.
Why is high BP dangerous?
High blood pressure is often called a silent killer. In its initial stages, its symptoms are not very apparent. However, if blood pressure remains uncontrolled for a long period, it weakens the arteries of the heart. Consequently, the risk of serious problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and vision impairment increases. This is precisely why it is crucial to manage blood pressure in a timely manner.
Prevention of Heart Attack and Stroke
Experts state that if blood pressure is reduced in a timely manner, the risk of heart and brain-related diseases significantly decreases. The initial results of Baxdrostat have raised hopes that this drug, in the future, could help reduce the incidence of heart attacks and strokes.
Why is it needed in India?
In countries like India, high blood pressure is a rapidly growing problem. Millions of people take medication for it, yet their blood pressure remains uncontrolled. Many individuals do not seek treatment at all and continue to ignore this issue for extended periods. This eventually leads to serious health complications. In such a scenario, a new drug like Baxdrostat could be nothing less than a relief for patients here.
Scientists believe that this drug will be particularly helpful for individuals for whom existing medications have not proven effective. This drug will control blood pressure and also reduce the pressure on vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys.
When will this drug be available to the general public?
Currently, Baxdrostat is being used on a limited scale in clinical trials. To make it accessible to a large number of patients, it will require further testing and regulatory approval. Scientists say that this drug may become available in the market in the coming years, after which patients will be able to benefit from it.
