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lorundrostat Shows Promise in Lowering Blood Pressure for Uncontrolled Hypertension
Table of Contents
- lorundrostat Shows Promise in Lowering Blood Pressure for Uncontrolled Hypertension
- Lorundrostat’s Impact on Uncontrolled Hypertension
- Implications for Hypertension Treatment
- Study Limitations and Future Directions
- Understanding Hypertension: An evergreen Perspective
- Frequently Asked Questions About Lorundrostat and Hypertension
- What is lorundrostat, and how does it work?
- Who is lorundrostat intended for?
- What were the main findings of the Launch-HTN trial?
- What are the potential side effects of lorundrostat?
- How long was lorundrostat evaluated in the Launch-HTN trial?
- Where can I find more information about hypertension and its management?
A recent phase 3 clinical trial has revealed that lorundrostat, a novel aldosterone synthase inhibitor, significantly reduced blood pressure in adults struggling with uncontrolled hypertension, including those with treatment-resistant hypertension. The study, published in JAMA on June 30, 2025, indicated that adverse events associated with the drug were generally mild and resolved without requiring intervention.
Lorundrostat’s Impact on Uncontrolled Hypertension
The Launch-HTN trial, conducted across 159 clinic sites in 13 countries, enrolled 1,083 participants between November 2023 and September 2024, with follow-up concluding in January 2025. The study focused on adults with uncontrolled hypertension who were already taking between two and five antihypertensive medications. The participant pool consisted of 46.9% women, 28.7% Black or African American individuals, and 63.3% with a body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: one receiving 50 mg/d of lorundrostat with potential escalation to 100 mg/d (n = 270), another receiving a fixed dose of 50 mg/d of lorundrostat (n = 541), and a control group receiving a placebo (n = 272). The treatment period lasted for 12 weeks, with the primary outcome measured as the change in automated office systolic blood pressure at week 6.
Did You Know? Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects nearly half of adults in the United States, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death [1].
Key findings from the Launch-HTN Trial
The results of the trial demonstrated a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure among participants treated with lorundrostat.Specifically, those receiving lorundrostat experienced a least-squares mean change of -16.9 mm Hg (95% CI, -19 to -14.9) compared to -7.9 mm Hg (95% CI, -11.5 to -4.2) in the placebo group (P < .001). Furthermore, at week 6, 44.1% of participants in the lorundrostat group achieved systolic blood pressure below 130 mm Hg, compared to only 24.1% in the placebo group (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% CI,1.5-7.8; P = .003).
The efficacy of lorundrostat remained consistent across various demographic subgroups, including age, sex, race, BMI, and the number of antihypertensive medications prescribed. Treatment-emergent adverse events were generally mild to moderate in severity. However, prespecified adverse events such as hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, or reduced kidney function led to nine discontinuations in the lorundrostat group, compared to none in the placebo group. Approximately 2% of lorundrostat recipients experienced symptomatic hypotension, compared to 0.4% in the placebo group.
Pro Tip: Regular monitoring of blood pressure is crucial for managing hypertension. The American Heart Association recommends checking your blood pressure regularly at home and visiting your doctor for routine check-ups [2].
Implications for Hypertension Treatment
According to the researchers, these findings support the potential use of lorundrostat as a valuable treatment option for individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, including those with treatment-resistant hypertension. the study’s corresponding author, Manish Saxena, MBBS, from Barts Health NHS Trust and Queen Mary University, emphasized the significance of these results in addressing a critical unmet need in hypertension management.
Mineralys Therapeutics, the company developing lorundrostat, had previously announced top-line results from the Launch-HTN trial in March 2025.The drug represents a new approach to managing hypertension by inhibiting aldosterone synthase, an enzyme involved in the production of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates blood pressure.
| Outcome | lorundrostat | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Systolic Blood Pressure Change (Week 6) | -16.9 mm Hg | -7.9 mm Hg |
| Participants Below 130 mm Hg (Week 6) | 44.1% | 24.1% |
Study Limitations and Future Directions
The study’s limitations include the relatively short duration of 12 weeks for evaluating lorundrostat’s efficacy and safety. Longer-term data are currently being collected in an open-label extension study. additionally, the researchers used unattended office blood pressure measurements, while ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is considered the gold standard. However, a phase 2 study that measured 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure demonstrated similar patterns of blood pressure lowering, providing further support for lorundrostat’s effectiveness.
The study was funded by Mineralys Therapeutics.Several authors reported receiving personal fees from Mineralys and other pharmaceutical companies, and some were employees of Mineralys. It is vital to consider these disclosures when interpreting the study’s findings.
What are the potential long-term benefits of using lorundrostat for managing uncontrolled hypertension?
How might lorundrostat compare to existing treatment options for individuals with treatment-resistant hypertension?
Understanding Hypertension: An evergreen Perspective
Hypertension, often called the “silent killer,” is a condition in which blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated.Blood pressure is measured with two numbers: systolic (the pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic (the pressure when the heart rests between beats). Normal blood pressure is typically defined as less than 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health problems [3].
Lifestyle modifications, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, play a crucial role in preventing and managing hypertension. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-sodium foods, is often recommended for individuals with high blood pressure. Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking or cycling, can also help lower blood pressure. In addition to lifestyle changes, various medications are available to treat hypertension, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lorundrostat and Hypertension
What is lorundrostat, and how does it work?
Lorundrostat is a novel aldosterone synthase inhibitor.It effectively works by blocking the production of aldosterone, a hormone that can raise blood pressure. By inhibiting aldosterone, lorundrostat helps to lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
Who is lorundrostat intended for?
Lorundrostat is intended for adults with uncontrolled hypertension, including those with treatment-resistant hypertension who are already taking multiple antihypertensive medications.
What were the main findings of the Launch-HTN trial?
The Launch-HTN trial demonstrated that lorundrostat significantly reduced systolic blood pressure compared to placebo. Additionally, a higher percentage of participants receiving lorundrostat achieved systolic blood pressure below 130 mm Hg.
What are the potential side effects of lorundrostat?
The most common side effects observed in the Launch-HTN trial were mild to moderate in severity. Some participants experienced hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, or reduced kidney function.Symptomatic hypotension was also reported in a small percentage of participants.
How long was lorundrostat evaluated in the Launch-HTN trial?
Lorundrostat was evaluated for 12 weeks in the Launch-HTN trial. Longer-term data are being collected in an open-label extension study.
Where can I find more information about hypertension and its management?
More information about hypertension can be found on the websites of organizations such as the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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