Commentary|Podcasts|May 27, 2026

What's Making Headlines in Cardiovascular Care: A Pharmacist's Breakdown of the Latest Breakthroughs

Author(s)Craig Beavers, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, FCCP, BCCP, BCPS-AQ Cardiology, CACP

Fact checked by: Kennedy Ferruggia, Associate Editor

Craig Beavers highlights 3 major developments in cardiovascular and cardiometabolic medicine that pharmacists should have on their radar.

In this solo mini episode of the Tell-Tale Heart podcast, host Craig Beavers, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, FCCP, BCCP, BCPS-AQ Cardiology, CACP, covers 3 major recent developments in cardiovascular and cardiometabolic care. First, he discusses the FDA approval of baxdrostat (BaxStat, Baxfendy; AstraZeneca), the first aldosterone synthase inhibitor indicated as add-on therapy for uncontrolled hypertension in patients already on two or more antihypertensive agents, including a diuretic, with anticipated market availability in early June. Next, Beavers highlights early phase 3 results from Eli Lilly's retatrutide, a triple GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptor agonist, which demonstrated up to 22.3% body weight reduction at 80 weeks—outcomes comparable to bariatric surgery. Finally, he reviews a New England Journal of Medicine publication reporting that a single CRISPR-based gene editing infusion reduced LDL cholesterol by approximately 60% in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, with effects sustained up to 18 months. Beavers also previews upcoming cardiorenal metabolic syndrome guidelines expected by the end of June.

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What's Making Headlines in Cardiovascular Care: A Pharmacist's Breakdown of the Latest Breakthroughs

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