Latebreakers: Combo HTN product gets final approval

Novartis has received final approval for its combination product, Exforge, used to treat hypertension. According to the company, it is the first medication to combine an angiotensin receptor blocker (valsartan [Diovan]) and a calcium-channel blocker (amlodipine [Norvasc]) into a tablet taken once daily. Exforge was studied in two clinical trials in which nine out of 10 patients reached their treatment goal of diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg or more than a 10 mmHg reduction in diastolic BP from baseline levels. Exforge is not meant as an initial treatment for blood pressure and should be used only in patients who have not been controlled through the use of any type of medicine in the angiotensin receptor blocker or calcium-channel blocker classes.