Mineralys Therapeutics has announced promising results for its experimental drug, lorundrostat, in reducing blood pressure among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The findings were presented at a major European medical conference, highlighting the potential impact on over 37 million Americans affected by CKD, a condition often linked to high blood pressure.

Trial Results and Implications

The late-stage trial involved 800 patients with uncontrolled or resistant high blood pressure, including 192 with CKD. The once-daily pill showed a placebo-adjusted reduction in systolic blood pressure of 9.6 mmHg after 12 weeks among CKD patients, with slightly higher reductions of 12.2 mmHg in those without the disease. Notably, 71% of CKD patients were already on three or more blood pressure medications at the start of the trial.

In addition to lowering blood pressure, lorundrostat reduced levels of albumin, a protein in urine that indicates kidney damage, by more than half in a subgroup of CKD patients with elevated levels. This dual benefit underscores the drug’s potential to address both hypertension and kidney health.

Competitive Landscape

The development of lorundrostat comes amid growing competition in the hypertension treatment field. AstraZeneca’s Baxfendy, the first drug in a class that blocks aldosterone to manage high blood pressure, was recently approved in the U.S. Lorundrostat, which also targets aldosterone production, is currently under review by the U.S. FDA, with a decision expected by December.

Hypertension is a global health issue, affecting approximately 1.4 billion people and contributing to premature deaths. It is particularly prevalent among CKD patients, increasing their risk of heart disease and further kidney deterioration.

As the medical community continues to seek effective treatments for these interconnected health challenges, the progress of lorundrostat offers hope for improved patient outcomes.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.