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A new study shows that Exforge, Novartis’ new combination antihypertensive, lowers blood pressure in twice as many people than amlodipine alone.
The single pill combines the worlds leading high blood pressure medicines, valsartan with amlodipine, and can also reduce blood pressure in groups classed as “difficult-to-treat” such as the elderly, obese and diabetes patients.
The study was published in the Journal of the American Society of Hypertension which involved 646 patients and was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of Exforge with amlodipine in patients (who were assigned randomly) with stage 2 high blood pressure.
The results showed that 51.8% of those who took Exforge achieved a hypertension of below 140mmHg at week four, in comparison with 27.7% who were on amlodipine alone.
High blood pressure is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease, the world’s number one cause of death and by controlling it can reduce many complications.
Dr Maurizio Destro, lead investigator, said blood pressure drops are also important as “the cardiovascular disease burden could almost be entirely attributable to systolic blood pressure.”
He added: “65% of people with high blood pressure do not achieve their blood pressure goal, and most require two or more medicines. Patients are more likely to keep taking a single pill a day rather than multiple medications, so Exforge is clearly an important and effective therapy option.”
Novartis provides innovative therapies and support programmes to treat high blood pressure and diabetes – both major public health issues.
