Novartis announces Rasilez EU approval

Novartis has announced that Rasilez (aliskiren) has received approval in the European Union as a treatment for high blood pressure.

The treatment has been approved for use as a monotherapy or in conjunction with other drugs for high blood pressure following 44 clinical trials involving over 7,800 patients.

Rasilez operates through the direct inhibition of an enzyme known as renin that triggers a process that can lead to high blood pressure in patients.

James Shannon, global head of development at Novartis Pharma, said: “Rasilez is the first approved medicine that helps patients reach their blood pressure goal by controlling the renin system.

“Novartis is proud to bring this important new medicine to the fight against this damaging and rapidly increasing disease.”

He added that the use of direct renin inhibition marks the sole innovation in the treatment of high blood pressure for over ten years.

Trials exploring the long-term potential of Rasilez in high blood pressure patients suffering kidney or heart failure, with results expected before the end of the year.

In May 2006, Reuters forecast that future potential sales of Rasilez could reach $1 billion (500 million pounds) by 2011.

Novartis presented new data to the World Congress of Cardiology in September 2006, reporting that the compound can provide sustained blood pressure control over a 24-hour period.