First-in-class agent lowers BP

A novel inhibitor of aldosterone synthase, LCI699, safely reduces serum aldosterone levels, as well as clinic and ambulatory blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension. “Aldosterone, in combination with high dietary salt, [is] an important mediator of target-organ damage, including endothelial function, cardiac hypertrophy, and renal disease,” says Professor David Calhoun, lead author of a report on a phase II trial of LCI699.