Longevity & AgingFDA Approves First Aldosterone Synthase Inhibitor BAXFENDY to Tackle Resistant Hypertension
The FDA has approved BAXFENDY (baxdrostat), a first-of-its-kind drug for adults with high blood pressure that isn't controlled by existing medications. Made by AstraZeneca, it works by blocking aldosterone synthase, an enzyme that drives blood pressure up. In a phase 3 trial of nearly 800 patients, the 2 mg dose reduced systolic blood pressure by 15.7 mmHg overall and 9.8 mmHg more than placebo after 12 weeks. It's taken once daily alongside other blood pressure medications. Side effects include elevated potassium, low sodium, dizziness, and low blood pressure. The drug represents a new mechanism for managing resistant hypertension, a condition linked to higher risks of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease — all key threats to healthy longevity.
