Basel, September 3, 2006 - Novartis announced today new data showing that its direct renin inhibitor Rasilez® (aliskiren) demonstrates long-term and sustained blood pressure control without risk of rebound high blood pressure[1]. The data were presented by investigators at the 15th World Congress of Cardiology in Barcelona, Spain.
These data add to the growing body of evidence that suggest direct renin inhibition is an effective means of controlling high blood pressure[2]. As a direct renin inhibitor, Rasilez would represent the first new treatment approach for high blood pressure in more than a decade.
The clinical trial results presented today highlight the power of Rasilez to maintain its blood pressure lowering effect over one year of therapy. Patients in the study taking Rasilez alone or in combination with diuretic hydrochlorothiazide lowered their blood pressure substantially (-17.4/-13.3 mmHg and -18.7/-12.1 mmHg, respectively).
These reductions were sustained over 24 hours[1] - an important treatment consideration because many high blood pressure medicines fail to provide 24-hour control. True 24-hour blood pressure control can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes[3].
Interestingly, the study investigators also concluded that people in the study taking Rasilez avoided rebound high blood pressure, a potentially dangerous condition[1],[4]. After 11 months on Rasilez, some patients were switched to placebo. Despite this switch, their blood pressures rose only gradually toward baseline over the following month with no evidence of rebound[1].
"Normally we'd expect blood pressure to quickly return to pre-treatment levels when a medicine is stopped," said Dr. Domenic Sica, Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology at the Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. "However, our study showed that this does not occur with aliskiren. This may be a benefit of directly inhibiting renin to control blood pressure."
Throughout the clinical program including this trial, Rasilez has consistently shown tolerability comparable to placebo at doses up to 300 mg daily (i.e. within the expected therapeutic dose range). Rasilez has also been well-tolerated when used alone or with other common cardiovascular and anti-diabetic medicines[2].
About Rasilez
Rasilez, which was developed in collaboration with Speedel, acts within the renin system that is central to blood pressure regulation. By directly inhibiting the renin system's point of activation - renin - Rasilez decreases the system's activity, as measured by plasma renin activity (PRA)[2] .
The US submission of Rasilez was completed in April 2006, while the European submission is expected before for the end of 2006.
About high blood pressure
High blood pressure - and its consequences - is the world's no. 1 killer and is estimated by the American Heart Association to affect one in four adults, which totals nearly one billion people globally[5],[6]. Despite extensive use of current therapies, about 70% of all people with high blood pressure do not reach target blood pressure levels. Many people require three or more medicines to control their blood pressure[7]. Meanwhile, many existing treatments fail to provide sustained 24-hour blood pressure control, particularly during the early morning hours[3].
Disclaimer
The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements which can be identified by the use of terminology such as "potential," "expected to be," "would represent," "may be," "suggest," or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential future regulatory filings, approvals or future sales of Rasilez. Such statements reflect the current views of the Novartis group of companies with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. There can be no guarantee that Rasilez will be approved for sale in any market, or that it will reach any particular sales levels. In particular, management's expectations regarding the approval and commercialization of Rasilez could be affected by, among other things, unexpected clinical trial results, including additional analysis of existing clinical data and new clinical data; unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the company's ability to obtain or maintain patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection; competition in general; increased government, industry, and general public pricing pressures; and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About Novartis
Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) is a world leader in offering medicines to protect health, treat disease and improve well-being. Our goal is to discover, develop and successfully market innovative products to treat patients, ease suffering and enhance the quality of life. Novartis is the only company with leadership positions in both patented and generic pharmaceuticals. We are strengthening our medicine-based portfolio, which is focused on strategic growth platforms in innovation-driven pharmaceuticals, high-quality and low-cost generics, human vaccines and leading self-medication OTC brands. In 2005, the Group's businesses achieved net sales of USD 32.2 billion and net income of USD 6.1 billion. Approximately USD 4.8 billion was invested in R&D. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 97,000 people and operate in over 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit
http://www.novartis.com.
References
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1. |
Sica, et al. Aliskiren, a novel renin inhibitor, is well tolerated and has sustained BP-lowering effects alone or in combination with HCTZ during long-term (52 weeks) treatment of hypertension. Poster presented at the 15th World Congress of Cardiology 2006. |
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2. |
Rasilez data on file at Novartis |
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5. |
Review of Clinical Hypertension. American Society of Hypertension. 2005 |
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6. |
JNC-7, The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. JAMA 2003. |
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7. |
Hajjar I, Kotchen TA. Trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the United States, 1988-2000. Journal of the American Medical Association. 9 July 2003: 202. |
