Novartis announces US approval of Tekturna

Switzerland-based Novartis has confirmed that the US has become the first country to approve its new treatment for high blood pressure.

The food and drug administration (FDA) has issued permission for Tekturna to be marketed in America as the first of a new group of therapies which work as direct rennin inhibitors.

According to the pharmaceutical company, its product works by targeting the enzyme which acts as a catalyst for the process that can result in higher blood pressure and in turn lead to heart disease.

The global head of development at Novartis, Dr James Shannon, asserted that some people have to take multiple medicines in order to control their blood pressure and noted that the once-a-day Tekturna “has the potential to help these patients manage their disease”.

He added that the new treatment: “Demonstrates our commitment to developing innovative medicines to help the millions of patients suffering from high blood pressure.”

It is expected that Tekturna, which is scheduled to be known as Rasilez outside the US, will be available from this month in American pharmacies in 150 mg and 300 mg tablet form.

Earlier this year, Novartis announced that its Procleix Tigris system for screening blood and tissue donated for the West Nile virus has received approval from the US FDA.