Baxdrostat and Molecular Imaging of Adrenal Cytoreduction in Primary Aldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common cause of hypertension in which the adrenal glands produce excess aldosterone. In some participants, the source of excess aldosterone can be associated with a small adrenal nodule. Aldosterone synthase, encoded by the CYP11B2 gene, is the enzyme responsible for the final steps of aldosterone production.

Molecular imaging using [18F]-CETO PET-CT can be used to visualise aldosterone-producing tissue in the adrenal glands. This study will investigate whether treatment with the aldosterone synthase inhibitor baxdrostat produces a measurable reduction in aldosterone-producing activity on molecular imaging.

This is an open-label, single-arm experimental medicine study. All participants will receive baxdrostat and there is no placebo or control group. Participants will receive baxdrostat 2 mg once daily for 24 weeks. Molecular imaging will be performed before treatment and following the treatment period, allowing the adrenal imaging signal to be compared within the same participant before and after treatment.

The study is designed to investigate whether pharmacological inhibition of aldosterone synthase is associated with a quantitative reduction in the molecular imaging signal from aldosterone-producing adrenal tissue. It will also investigate whether changes in imaging are associated with changes in biochemical measures of aldosterone production and clinical measures such as blood pressure, and how long suppression of aldosterone production persists after treatment has ended.

[18F]-CETO PET-CT is performed following dexamethasone pretreatment to suppress background uptake and improve visualisation of aldosterone-producing adrenal tissue. The radioligand is administered intravenously and PET imaging is performed together with a low-dose anatomical CT scan. Imaging will be undertaken at St Bartholomew's Hospital or Cambridge University Hospitals.

Participants will undergo regular follow-up during and after treatment. Assessments include blood pressure measurements, blood tests for electrolytes and adrenal hormones, 24-hour urine collections for measurement of aldosterone-related biomarkers, and quality-of-life assessment. Follow-up after treatment will allow the investigators to assess whether biochemical and clinical effects of baxdrostat persist after treatment has stopped.

The study also provides an opportunity to investigate the relationship between molecular imaging findings and subsequent clinical management. Where participants subsequently undergo adrenalectomy or ablation as part of their usual clinical care, adrenal tissue may be used for exploratory laboratory analyses of aldosterone synthase expression and markers of apoptosis. Adrenalectomy or ablation is not a research intervention and is not required by the study.

The study uses a within-participant comparison of adrenal molecular imaging before and after baxdrostat treatment. Participants are stratified according to the characteristics of the largest [18F]-CETO-positive adrenal nodule, but there is no randomisation or allocation to different treatment groups.

The study is intended to improve understanding of the effects of aldosterone synthase inhibition on aldosterone-producing adrenal tissue. The findings may help clarify the relationship between biochemical suppression of aldosterone production and changes in adrenal molecular imaging, and may inform the development of future approaches to the treatment and investigation of primary aldosteronism.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female
• Age > 18 years at time of signing informed consent.
• Diagnosed with Primary Aldosteronism (PA) according to Endocrine Society guidelines
• Presence of one or more adrenal nodules, (diameter 0.5-2.5 cm) on CT, PET-CT, or MRI, with characteristics (e.g. washout) of adenomas
• Suppressed cortisol after overnight dexamethasone
• Willing to take baxdrostat for 6 months and attend follow-up visits
• Willing to undergo PET-CT imaging
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 45 mL/min/1.73m2 at Screening.
• Serum potassium (K+) level ≥ 3.5 and < 5.0 mmol/L
• Negative pregnancy test for female participants of childbearing potential
• Able and willing to provide written consent Exclusion criteria
• <18 years of age
• Current or prior treatment (within 1 month before screening) with angiotensin-receptor blockers in combination with ACEIs.
• Serum sodium level < 135 mmol/L at screening, determined as per central laboratory.
• The following known secondary causes of hypertension: renal artery stenosis, uncontrolled or untreated hyperthyroidism, uncontrolled or untreated hypothyroidism, pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, aortic coarctation.
• New York Heart Association functional Heart Failure class IV at Screening.
• Known current severe left ventricular outflow obstruction, such as obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and/or severe aortic valvular disease.
• Known severe hepatic impairment.
• Uncontrolled diabetes with HbA1c > 10.0% (86 mmol/mol) at screening.
• Participants suspected to have severe cardiac hypertrophy.
• Treatment with any MRAs or potassium-sparing diuretics within 1 month prior to screening.
• Treatment with potassium binders within 1 month prior to screening.
• Is expected to receive or is receiving any of the exclusionary drugs such as strong inducers of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A, chronic (taken more than 3 times a week for more than 3 months) use of NSAIDs, MRAs or chronic use of systemic steroids.
• Treatment with K+ supplements is not prohibited but the use should be continuously assessed throughout the trial.
• Inability or unwillingness to undergo PET-CT imaging
• Significant comorbidities that would interfere with participation
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Unable to give informed consent