Novartis reports positive clinical data for Exforge

Novartis has announced new clinical data for its combination blood pressure medication Exforge, with the compound helping nine out of ten non-diabetes patients that have failed to sufficiently respond to single therapies to reach their blood pressure treatment goals.

The results presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American Society of Hypertension saw patients experience a further 20 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure following administration with Exforge when compared to the drops seen after receiving their previous treatment.

Exforge is a single pill combining Diovan (valsartan) – an angiotensin receptor blocker – and Norvasc (amlodipine besylate) – a calcium channel blocker.

Positive results were seen in traditionally hard-to-treat patient groups, such as those with type two diabetes and the elderly.

Dr James Shannon, global head of development at Novartis Pharma, said: “Exforge is a very exciting addition to our cardiovascular portfolio.”

He added that the need for effective treatments for high blood pressure is demonstrated by the fact that nearly 70 per cent of patients experiencing these symptoms to not adequately manage their condition.

In December 2006, Novartis described Exforge as an “attractive therapy option” for patients with high blood pressure, noting that many such patients often require at least two drugs to attain blood pressure targets.