Novartis’ Rasitrio blood pressure drug receives EU approval

Novartis has been granted EU approval for the sale of Rasitrio, its innovative new high blood pressure therapy.

The European Commission has ratified the drug for sale following analysis of pivotal phase III data involving 1,181 high blood pressure patients, showing the safety and efficacy of the treatment.

Rasitrio is the first triple combination of Rasilez (aliskiren), amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide in a single pill and addresses compliance concerns that can often arise from multi-drug therapies.

The three complementary medicines function by inhibiting renin – an enzyme that causes blood vessels to become narrower – while also relaxing the vessel walls and increasing excretion of sodium chloride and water.

David Epstein, division head of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said: "High blood pressure patients in Europe with complex needs will have access to a single pill combining the unique properties of Rasilez with two well-established and effective high blood pressure treatments."

Last week, the company announced the discovery of a potential new class of malaria treatments, following research conducted alongside international partners.