Aliskiren (Tekturna) For Hypertension
The U.S. has become the first country to approve aliskiren (Tekturna, Novartis) tablets, a new type of blood pressure medication in more than a decade. Aliskiren, also known as Rasilez, is awaiting approval in Europe.
Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor. As a once-daily oral therapy, it targets renin, an enzyme responsible for triggering a process that can contribute to hypertension. Available in 150-mg and 300-mg strengths, it can be used as monotherapy or with other antihypertensive drugs.
More information on aliskiren is available in this month’s issue of P&T in the Pharmaceutical Approval Update feature (page 235) and in Meeting Highlights.
