UBS Reaffirms Bullish Outlook on AstraZeneca and Its New Blood Pressure Drug, Baxdrostat
In a recent research note, UBS, the Swiss global financial services company, expressed continued confidence in AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:AZN), maintaining a ‘buy’ rating on the Anglo-Swiss pharmaceutical giant. The investment bank’s optimism is fueled by the potential of AstraZeneca’s new drug, baxdrostat, which is being developed as part of a new class of treatments called aldosterone synthase inhibitors (ASIs).
Aldosterone Synthase Inhibitors: A New Class of Blood Pressure Treatments
ASIs represent a novel approach to treating hypertension, or high blood pressure. They target aldosterone synthase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the production of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates sodium and potassium levels and blood pressure. By inhibiting aldosterone synthase, ASIs can help reduce blood pressure without affecting the body’s potassium levels, as some current blood pressure medications can.
UBS’ Optimism for AstraZeneca’s Baxdrostat
UBS analysts believe that baxdrostat could represent a significant advancement in the treatment of hypertension. In their report, they noted that baxdrostat could offer a “cleaner mechanism” than existing treatments, as it would not affect potassium levels and could potentially have a more favorable side effect profile. The bank also highlighted the potential for baxdrostat to be used in combination with other antihypertensive drugs, expanding its therapeutic utility.
Impact on Individuals: Potential for More Effective and Better-tolerated Blood Pressure Treatments
For individuals with hypertension, the development of baxdrostat and other ASIs could mean access to more effective and better-tolerated treatments. Hypertension affects approximately one in three adults worldwide, and many people struggle to manage their blood pressure with current medications due to side effects or inadequate response. ASIs, like baxdrostat, could provide a new option for those individuals, potentially leading to improved health outcomes.
Impact on the World: Advancements in Hypertension Treatment Could Save Lives and Reduce Healthcare Costs
The impact of ASIs on the world could be substantial. Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Effective treatments for hypertension can help prevent these conditions, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs. According to the American Heart Association, the direct and indirect costs of cardiovascular disease in the United States alone were estimated to be $316.6 billion in 2017. Advancements in blood pressure treatments, such as baxdrostat, could help mitigate these costs and improve overall public health.
Conclusion
UBS’ reaffirmed ‘buy’ rating on AstraZeneca, with a 12-month price target of 14,200p, underscores the investment community’s confidence in the potential of baxdrostat and the broader class of aldosterone synthase inhibitors. This new class of treatments represents a potential game-changer in the management of hypertension, offering more effective and better-tolerated treatment options for individuals and substantial cost savings and improved health outcomes for the world.
- UBS maintains a ‘buy’ rating on AstraZeneca, citing potential of baxdrostat, a new blood pressure drug in development.
- Baxdrostat is an aldosterone synthase inhibitor (ASI), a novel approach to treating hypertension.
- ASIs target aldosterone synthase, an enzyme involved in aldosterone production, without affecting potassium levels.
- UBS believes baxdrostat could offer a cleaner mechanism and a favorable side effect profile.
- Individuals with hypertension could benefit from more effective and better-tolerated treatments.
- Advancements in hypertension treatments could save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
