Daiichi Sankyo receives first EU approval for blood pressure drug

Daiichi Sankyo has been granted its first European approval for Sevikar HCT, a three-in-one combination treatment for high blood pressure.

The once-daily therapy has received regulatory clearance in Germany, the first market to launch the new drug, following a recommendation from the European decentralised procedure.

Sevikar HCT combines olmesartan medoxomil, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide, three commonly-prescribed blood pressure drugs, to create a single treatment for hypertension sufferers.

It is thought that this option will increase convenience and compliance among patients, while also providing better blood pressure control.

Reinhard Bauer, chief executive officer of Daiichi Sankyo Europe, said: "With olmesartan as the foundation for this new treatment, we are confident that Sevikar HCT will provide doctors with an additional therapy option to successfully treat their patients to blood pressure targets."

Earlier this month, Daiichi Sankyo published positive clinical trial data for the drug edoxaban, showing its efficacy in preventing venous thromboembolic (VTE) events following total hip replacement.