Mineralys Therapeutics reported that its flagship drug, lorundrostat, has been successful in reducing blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension in both late-stage and mid-stage clinical trials. The drug showed high efficacy in lowering systolic blood pressure in patients with a high risk of heart attacks and strokes caused by chronic hypertension.

Key Highlights
Trial Success & Blood Pressure Reduction

• In a late-stage trial of 1,083 adult patients, lorundrostat had a placebo-adjusted reduction in systolic blood pressure of 9.1 mmHg.

• In a mid-stage trial, the medication reduced systolic blood pressure by 7.9 mmHg in patients with elevated blood pressure who were already on at least two other medications.

• Hypertension affects nearly 120 million adults in the U.S., with less than 50% achieving their target blood pressure levels through existing treatments, according to the CDC.

Market Impact & Industry Response

• Guggenheim brokerage labeled lorundrostat as a "major win," citing its potential to be a first-in-class and best-in-class treatment for difficult-to-treat hypertension.

• The market for uncontrolled hypertension drugs is expected to reach $6.1 billion by 2040.

• Competing therapy: AstraZeneca's investigational drug baxdrostat, which it acquired in its $1.8 billion purchase of CinCor Pharma in 2023, is also in development for the same indications.

• Mineralys' shares jumped 47% to $15.47, boosting its market capitalization by about $246.7 million.

Controlling Side Effects:

• Hyperkalemia (elevated blood potassium levels), a side effect of the drug, was seen in some patients.

• But Mineralys executives added that hyperkalemia is manageable with monitoring of potassium levels two weeks after initiation of the drug and dose adjustment.

Official Statement
Guggenheim Brokerage remarked on the trial findings, saying:
"Lorundrostat has had a favorable profile and may become a powerful first-in-class and potential best-in-class agent for uncontrolled hypertension."With its robust clinical performance and ability to fill a vital unmet need, lorundrostat is poised as a game-changing therapy for hypertension. Success in these trials not only instills confidence in the efficacy of the drug but also supports Mineralys' position in the extremely competitive cardiovascular drug market. As it moves towards commercialization, its success could redefine hypertension treatment strategies globally.