Novartis Gains Positive CHMP Opinion For Rasitrio, First Rasilez-Based Triple Combination Pill In Europe To Treat High Blood Pressure

Novartis announced recently that the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion for Rasitrio for the treatment of high blood pressure.

Rasitrio has been recommended as replacement therapy in patients whose blood pressure is adequately controlled on a combination of its components given concurrently at the same dose level as in the combination.

"This positive CHMP opinion is an important step towards approval and making this new triple combination therapy available for patients whose blood pressure is not under control and who may require multiple medications," said David Epstein, Division Head of Novartis Pharmaceuticals. "Novartis is dedicated to providing innovative, patient-focused treatment options that simplify treatment plans."

Rasitrio combines in a single-pill the only approved direct renin inhibitor worldwide, Rasilez, with the widely used calcium channel blocker amlodipine and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. The triple combination of aliskiren, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), was approved in the United States in December 2010 under the trade name Amturnide.

The European Commission generally follows the recommendations of the CHMP and delivers its final decision within three months of the CHMP recommendation.

The CHMP positive opinion of Rasitrio is based on clinical trial data involving more than 1,181 high blood pressure patients. The Phase III pivotal study showed that Rasitrio produced statistically significant blood pressure reductions compared to dual combinations of each of its individual components, including aliskiren/amlodipine 300 mg/10 mg, aliskiren/HCTZ 300 mg/25 mg and amlodipine/HCTZ 10 mg/25 mg. The effect of Rasitrio was observed as early as one week after initiation of therapy and was maintained over the entire 24-hour dose interval.

"Adherence to treatment is often very challenging for patients requiring three or more medications to manage their high blood pressure," said Professor Roland E. Schmieder, M.D., University Hospital of the University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany. "Triple combination therapy with Rasitrio provides patients with a comprehensive and convenient high blood pressure treatment in one pill."

The single-pill combination Rasitrio works to lower blood pressure in three ways. The Rasilez component targets the activity of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS), an important regulator of blood pressure. Rasilez directly binds to and inhibits renin, an enzyme produced by the kidneys that starts a process that can make blood vessels narrow and lead to high blood pressure. The calcium channel blocker amlodipine lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessel walls, and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide increases the excretion of sodium chloride and water. All three complementary medicines enable blood to flow more easily, therefore lowering blood pressure.

It is estimated that about one billion people globally have high blood pressure, with many remaining uncontrolled despite treatment. High blood pressure alone can cause damage to the vital organs of the body, including the heart, brain and kidneys. It is also linked with other conditions such as diabetes, where high blood pressure is estimated to cause up to 75% of diabetic cardiovascular complications. However, if high blood pressure is properly controlled, the incidence of stroke and heart failure can be reduced by almost half and heart attacks by one quarter. Up to 85 percent of patients may need multiple medications to help control their high blood pressure.

About Tekturna/Rasilez
Tekturna/Rasilez is approved in over 80 countries. Aliskiren was approved in the US and in the European Union in 2007 under the trade name of Tekturna and Rasilez respectively. Rasilez received approval in Canada in 2008, Japan in 2009 and China in March 2010. Tekturna HCT, a single-pill combination of aliskiren and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), was approved in the US in 2008 for second-line treatment of high blood pressure, and in 2009 for first-line treatment of high blood pressure. This single-pill combination was approved for add-on and replacement therapy in the European Union in 2009 under the trade name Rasilez HCT. In 2009, Valturna, a single-pill combination of aliskiren and valsartan (Diovan), was approved in the US. Tekamlo, the single-pill combination of aliskiren and amlodipine was approved in the US in August 2010 and in the European Union under the trade name Rasilamlo in April 2011. Amturnide, the triple combination of aliskiren, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), was approved in the U.S. in December 2010.

Novartis has a strong cardiovascular and metabolic portfolio, focusing on innovative treatments for high blood pressure and diabetes. These include Diovan (valsartan), the number one selling branded blood pressure medication worldwide10, Co-Diovan (valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide), a single-pill combination of valsartan with the most widely prescribed diuretic. Exforge (valsartan/amlodipine), a single-pill combining two leading medicines for high blood pressure; Exforge HCT (amlodipine/valsartan/HCT); and Rasilez (aliskiren), the first and only approved direct renin inhibitor, and four single-pill combinations of Rasilez, Tekamlo/Rasilamlo (aliskiren/amlodipine), Amturnide (aliskiren/amlodipine/HCT), Tekturna HCT/Rasilez HCT (aliskiren/HCT) and Valturna (aliskiren/valsartan). For the treatment of type 2 diabetes, these include Galvus (vildagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor) and Eucreas (vildagliptin and metformin).

About Novartis
Novartis provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, consumer health products, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in these areas. In 2010, the Group's continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 50.6 billion, while approximately USD 9.1 billion (USD 8.1 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges) was invested in R&D throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 121,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, visit http://www.novartis.com.

SOURCE: Novartis