Aldosterone Synthase Inhibition With Lorundrostat for Uncontrolled Hypertension

Excess aldosterone production contributes to hypertension in both classical hyperaldosteronism and obesity-associated hypertension. Therapies that reduce aldosterone synthesis may lower blood pressure.

To compare the safety and efficacy of lorundrostat, an aldosterone synthase inhibitor, with placebo, and characterize dose-dependent safety and efficacy to inform dose selection in future trials. Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging trial among adults with uncontrolled hypertension taking 2 or more antihypertensive medications. An initial cohort of 163 participants with suppressed plasma renin (plasma renin activity [PRA] ≤1.0 ng/mL/h) and elevated plasma aldosterone (≥1.0 ng/dL) were enrolled, with subsequent enrollment of 37 participants with PRA greater than 1.0 ng/mL/h. Interventions: Participants were randomized to placebo or 1 of 5 dosages of lorundrostat in the initial cohort (12.5 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg once daily or 12.5 mg or 25 mg twice daily). In the second cohort, participants were randomized in a 1:6 ratio to placebo or lorundrostat, 100 mg once daily. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was change in automated office systolic blood pressure from baseline to study week 8.