Novartis: Rasilez shows superior efficacy to ACE inhibitor ramipril in diabetes, high blood pressure

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., June 13 - Novartis AG said newly released clinical data show that Rasilez (aliskiren), an oral direct renin inhibitor, provided superior reductions in systolic blood pressure over the ACE inhibitor ramipril in people with diabetes and hypertension.

The data also show that the combination of Rasilez and ramipril improved blood pressure control over the use of either medication alone.

Novartis also said Rasilez provided sustained and persistent blood pressure reductions over 24 hours in people with diabetes.

Sustained 24-hour control is important because blood pressure often surges during early morning hours, according to a news release.

"It is particularly important for people with both diabetes and high blood pressure to gain control over both of these diseases. These new data demonstrate that using Rasilez in combination with commonly used hypertension medicines, such as ramipril, can help patients achieve significantly better blood pressure control than with ramipril alone," head of development James Shannon said in the release.

The U.S. submission of Rasilez was completed in April, while the European submission remains on track for the end of 2006.

Basel, Switzerland-based Novartis develops medicines to protect health, treat disease and improve well-being.

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