Novartis expands clinical program of blood pressure drug

The newly-launched studies will evaluate the organ protection potential of the first-in-class direct renin inhibitor Rasilez, known as Tekturna in the US, for the treatment of heart failure and prevention of cardiovascular disease in the elderly, a patient segment that is predicted to more than double between 2000 and 2030. A third megatrial already under way is studying cardio-renal outcomes in diabetes.

The Aspire Higher program includes a comprehensive range of short-to-medium term studies to assess the potential organ protection benefits of Rasilez or Tekturna across a broad range of cardio-renal conditions including heart failure, post-acute coronary syndromes, post-myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy, coronary artery disease and diabetic nephropathy. Other studies are designed to further confirm the powerful blood pressure lowering effect of Rasilez/Tekturna.

Trevor Mundel, head of global development functions at Novartis Pharma, said: “Aspire Higher represents a major commitment to investigating this innovative therapy that can help physicians and patients better manage high blood pressure and its damaging effects. We look forward to the results of these additional long-term outcome studies that we hope will demonstrate the benefits of Rasilez independent of its powerful blood pressure reductions.”