King reports positive seven-year follow-up for cardiovascular drug

The trial demonstrates the sustained effect of Altace (ramipril), an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, on reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and sustained vascular and metabolic benefits for patients treated with the drug.

The authors also concluded that the data indicated that a patient’s earlier use of ramipril therapy provided a longer-term protective effect compared with the later initiation of such therapy. These benefits were consistent regardless of patient risk or ancillary treatments.

The original trial seven years ago demonstrated that Altace reduced the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death from cardiovascular causes in high-risk patients 55 years of age or older.

The results now released evaluate whether the reduction in risk of major cardiovascular events and of new diagnosis of diabetes in patients treated with Altace was maintained over a longer duration of observation.

Dr Charles Pamplin, vice president of medical affairs at King stated, “We are very pleased with the results of the HOPE-TOO study which add to the extensive clinical data for our leading product Altace. The HOPE-TOO data emphasizes the importance of patients continuing their Altace therapy due to the sustained effect in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.”