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November 9, 2010

Novartis launches novel single-pill combination to help patients achieve better blood pressure control and comply with treatment

• Novartis has launched a novel single-pill combination that delivers powerful blood pressure control and dosing convenience—key factors in ensuring effective and sustained hypertension treatment.
• The innovative once-daily tablet combines the first-in-its-class direct renin inhibitor (DRI) aliskiren and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
• With its excellent efficacy and tolerability complemented by a convenient once-a-day dosing regimen, aliskiren plus HCTZ can address suboptimal blood pressure control and poor compliance associated with currently available anti-hypertension treatments.

Research-based healthcare company Novartis has launched a novel single-pill combination that delivers powerful blood pressure control and dosing convenience—key factors in ensuring effective and sustained hypertension treatment. The innovative once-daily tablet combines the first-in-its-class direct renin inhibitor (DRI) aliskiren and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

Unlike other currently available classes of anti-hypertension drugs that target the later stages of the blood pressure-regulating process, aliskiren acts at the beginning of this vital process. It is the first and only high blood pressure medication that inhibits renin, an enzyme produced by the kidneys. Renin initiates a process that leads to narrowing of blood vessels in the kidneys. When these blood vessels are narrowed, blood pressure increases. By inhibiting the action of renin, aliskiren helps blood vessels relax and widen so blood pressure is lowered.

Diuretics such as HCTZ reduce blood volume by increasing the amount of water the kidneys excrete (through urine) as they filter the blood. By decreasing blood volume, HCTZ lowers blood pressure.

Global data show that 59% of patients with hypertension do not have their blood pressure well controlled and up to two-thirds will require more than one anti-hypertension medication to reach target blood pressure of less than 120/80 mmHg. Worldwide rates of control are far from acceptable, with only between 12% and 67% of hypertensive adults achieving blood pressure control.

"The 2007 nationwide Philippine Heart Association survey PRESYON 2 revealed that 87 percent or 9.1 million of the 10.5 million hypertensive Filipinos are unable to control their high blood pressure," said Dr. Loewe Go, Executive Director, Cardiovascular Institute, Cardinal Santos Medical Center.

"With its excellent efficacy and tolerability complemented by a convenient once-a-day dosing regimen, aliskiren plus HCTZ can address suboptimal blood pressure control and poor compliance associated with currently available anti-hypertension treatments," said Dr. Bjorn Dahlof, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden.

"Achieving target blood pressure is crucial because it lowers the risk of developing heart and kidney disease. The single-pill combination of aliskiren and HCTZ can improve blood pressure control and enhance patient compliance thereby preventing hypertension-related complications," said Dr. Agnes Mejia, Chair, Department of Medicine, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital.

Professor Dahlof and Dr. Mejia were the guest speakers while Dr. Go was the scientific chair during the launch of aliskiren plus HCTZ on October 26, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pasig City. Entitled "Behold the Emergence of a New & Greater DRIven Power," the event was attended by physicians from all over the Philippines.

Most expert guidelines support the use of low-dose combination therapy after a trial of monotherapy (treatment with a single hypertension medication). Data demonstrate that up to 50% more patients reach target blood pressure with combination therapy compared with monotherapy. Expert guidelines also recognize that simplified regimens enhance patient compliance with therapies that ultimately result in better blood pressure control and reduced complications. Single-pill combinations have been shown to increase compliance better than individual anti-hypertension medications taken separately.

Most currently available anti-hypertension medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), are limited by modest level of protection they provide to vital organs, poor tolerability, and/or suboptimal duration of activity. ACEIs can cause cough and angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of the skin) while other classes of anti-hypertension medications such as calcium channel blockers and beta blockers can cause edema (tissue swelling) and bradycardia (abnormally slow heartbeat), respectively. These adverse events may result in treatment discontinuation or therapy switching.

About Novartis
Novartis provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in these areas. In 2009, the Group's continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 44.3 billion, while approximately USD 7.5 billion was invested in R&D activities throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 100,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.