Tekturna HCT, A Single-Tablet Combination Of Tekturna And A Diuretic, Receives US Approval For Treatment Of High Blood Pressure
East Hanover, NJ - Tekturna HCT (aliskiren and hydrochlorothiazide) tablets has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a single-tablet combination of two high blood pressure medicines -- Tekturna (aliskiren), the first approved direct renin inhibitor, and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
The two medicines in this single-tablet combination work together to lower blood pressure, with clinical data showing that the combination of Tekturna and HCTZ offers greater blood pressure reductions than either component alone.
This is the first regulatory approval of a single-tablet combination therapy involving Tekturna, known as Rasilez outside the US. HCT, sometimes called a "water pill", is one of the most commonly-used high blood pressure medicines. Tekturna HCT is approved for patients not controlled by either medicine alone but should not be used before other medications have been tried first.
"Current guidelines call for aggressive treatment of high blood pressure because approximately 40% of treated patients are still not controlled," said Alan Gradman, MD, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. "Tekturna HCT offers patients an effective new treatment option with significant blood pressure reductions and convenience, by combining the first direct renin inhibitor and a diuretic in one tablet."
High blood pressure is estimated to affect nearly one-in-three adults in the US and remains uncontrolled in nearly 70% of treated and untreated adults. Most patients require two or more medicines to reach their target blood pressures. Single-tablet combinations such as Tekturna HCT simplify high blood pressure management by reducing the number of pills people take daily.
The US approval of Tekturna HCT was based on clinical trials involving more than 2,700 patients treated with Tekturna and HCTZ.
In a study to evaluate rebound hypertension, when Tektuturna was withdrawn, blood pressure reductions were maintained for up to four days after the last dose, with blood pressure gradually returning toward baseline.
Tekturna is the only drug that works by targeting renin and decreasing the activity of the renin system, as measured by plasma renin activity (PRA). The reductions in PRA were not dose dependent and did not correlate with blood pressure reductions, and the clinical relevance of these reductions are unknown. By reducing the effects of renin, Tekturna helps blood vessels to widen so blood pressure is lowered. Diuretics work to lower blood pressure by ridding the body of unneeded water and salt, but are also known to increase PRA.
"Most patients need at least two medicines to control their high blood pressure," said Marjorie Gatlin, M.D., Vice President, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Therapeutic Area Head, US Medical. "Novartis is very proud to introduce this innovative combination. Tekturna HCT incorporates the latest direct renin inhibition technology and offers an important new option for patients who need greater blood pressure control."
The most common side effects experienced by patients taking Tekturna HCT included dizziness, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, cough and tiredness. Other less common side effects include skin rash.
Tekturna HCT will be available at wholesalers in early February 2008 in four strengths as tablets containing Tekturna and hydrochlorothiazide: 150 mg/12.5 mg tablets, 150 mg/25 mg tablets, 300 mg/12.5 mg tablets and 300 mg/25 mg tablets.
The long-term potential of Tekturna and direct renin inhibition is being studied in an extensive clinical program known as ASPIRE HIGHER, which focuses on the effects of using Tekturna in patients with cardiovascular or kidney disease.
Tekturna was discovered by Novartis and developed in collaboration with Speedel.
For more information about Tekturna HCT call 1-888-NOW-NOVA or visit www.tekturnahct.com.
About Tekturna and Tekturna HCT
TEKTURNA HCT and TEKTURNA are prescription medications for adults used to treat high blood pressure. TEKTURNA HCT is not indicated for initial therapy.
Important Considerations:
WARNING: AVOID USE IN PREGNANCY
When pregnancy is detected, discontinue TEKTURNA or TEKTURNA HCT as soon as possible. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus.
Do not take TEKTURNA HCT or TEKTURNA if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the product you are taking.
Do not take TEKTURNA HCT if you have a history of reduced urine output, or have allergic reactions to certain drugs called sulfonamides. Tell your doctor if you take lithium or cyclosporine or if you have ever had a reaction called angioedema to ACE inhibitor medicine.
In clinical studies, the most common side effect experienced by more patients taking TEKTURNA than patients taking a sugar pill was diarrhea. Other less common reactions to TEKTURNA include cough, also with TEKTURNA and TEKTURNA HCT include skin rash. The most common side effects experienced by patients taking TEKTURNA HCT include dizziness, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, cough and tiredness.
SOURCE: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation