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news.Pfizer has stopped a landmark hypertension study early after preliminary results showed significant reductions in cardiovascular death and all cause mortality in patients taking a Norvasc-based regimen.
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The trial, named ASCOT, involved nearly 20,000 patients with high blood pressure, and was designed to compare the effects of a Norvasc-based regimen versus a standard beta-blocker based regimen in reducing cardiac events in patients with hypertension and multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
The trial was stopped early because preliminary data showed that patients receiving the Norvasc based regimen demonstrated a 25% reduction in cardiovascular death and a 15% reduction in total mortality. These patients also experienced a 10% reduction in heart attack, significant reductions in stroke and coronary events, and a lesser risk of developing diabetes compared to patients taking the beta-blocker based regimen.
“It is clear, based on these preliminary ASCOT results as well as previous studies that a Norvasc based blood-pressure lowering treatment regimen results in cardiovascular benefits for patients with high blood pressure” said Dr Joseph Feczko, Pfizer’s chief medical officer. “We look forward to seeing the final study results.”