Novartis has been granted authorisation from the European Commission to market Exforge HCT, its new three-in-one once-daily treatment for high blood pressure.
Exforge HCT is a combination of three commonly used blood pressure medications: the angiotensin receptor blocker valsartan (Diovan), the calcium channel blocker amlodipine and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCT).
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Division CEO Joe Jimenez said that Novartis is committed to helping patients improve their treatment compliance.
“Simplified treatment regimens and reduced pill burdens have been shown to help achieve this,” Jimenez said.
High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease and although treatable it is often exacerbated by patient-related treatment failure. Patients therefore may find treatment more convenient with one single pill rather than multiple separate pills.
EU approval was supported by the results of Study 230211, a multinational, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, Phase III study conducted in 15 countries, with 2,271 patients randomised to double-blind treatment.
