AstraZeneca announced positive phase 3 results for baxdrostat, a blood pressure drug acquired from CinCor Pharma. In a late-stage trial with 796 patients suffering uncontrolled hypertension, baxdrostat produced a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in mean seated systolic blood pressure (SBP) over 12 weeks, meeting its primary endpoint. The drug was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile. Secondary endpoints, including benefits in resistant hypertension and achieving SBP under 130 mmHg, were also met. Baxdrostat selectively inhibits aldosterone synthase without affecting cortisol synthesis, addressing a critical unmet need. This outcome validates AstraZeneca’s $1.3 billion investment despite prior phase 2 challenges. AstraZeneca's EVP Sharon Barr highlighted the novel mechanism targeting aldosterone dysregulation as a meaningful advancement in hypertension treatment.