PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 16 /PRNewswire/ — A new study published in the current Journal of the American Society of Hypertension demonstrates that the hypertension treatment olmesartan medoxomil was effective in reversing the narrowing of the arteries that occurs in patients with hypertension. The study, titled VIOS (Vascular Improvement with Olmesartan medoxomil Study) was a one-year, exploratory study that evaluated the effects of an angiotensin receptor blocker (olmesartan medoxomil) vs. a beta-blocker (atenolol) on vascular function and structure in patients with Stage 1 hypertension, independent of the blood pressure lowering effects of these agents.(1)
In the VIOS trial, olmesartan medoxomil, through early blockade of angiotensin II, improved the structure abnormalities of resistance arteries in patients with hypertension as measured by arterial wall to lumen ratio (W/L), returning arterial architecture to normal levels after one year of treatment. This protective effect was not seen with the comparator agent in the study, atenolol.(2) Olmesartan medoxomil is marketed in the United States by Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., as BENICAR(R). BENICAR and BENICAR HCT(R) (olmesartan medoxomil/hydrochlorothiazide) are indicated for the treatment of hypertension. They may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. BENICAR HCT is not indicated for initial therapy. BENICAR and BENICAR HCT have not been FDA approved for other indications such as end organ disease or other hypertension related morbidity.
“We believe the VIOS data add to the growing evidence for the role of angiotensin receptor blockers in preventing or reversing vascular damage at many stages during this disease process,” said Carlos M. Ferrario, M.D., one of the study’s lead investigators and Professor and Director of Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Angiotensin II has been linked to vascular dysfunction and end-organ damage, including cardiac hypertrophy and renal injury.(3,4,5) Previous studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of ACE inhibitors or other angiotension II receptor blockers (ARBs) in the reversal of vascular hypertrophy in hypertensive subjects.(6,7,8,9,10,11,12)
Hypertension is one of the most prevalent conditions in the United States, affecting one in three Americans.(13) Long-standing, uncontrolled hypertension can damage the brain, the eyes, the heart and the kidney.(14) Antihypertensive agents that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or ARBs, have demonstrated substantially greater effects on end-organ repair in the kidney and the heart.(15,16,17,18)
VIOS Study Design
The study was a randomized, controlled, open-label, one-year study. The primary endpoint of this study was the change in the morphological characteristics of resistance arteries as determined by differences in the wall (media)/lumen (W/L) ratio. This parameter was measured using a pressurized myograph procedure on arteriole biopsy samples obtained from a sub-group of 49 patients receiving treatment (27 were on olmesartan and 22 were on atenolol) and from 11 normotensive control subjects.(19)
Non-diabetic patients with Stage 1 hypertension (61% male; age 38 to 67 years) were randomized after a 4-week washout period to olmesartan medoximil 20 to 40 mg or atenolol 50 to 100 mg plus additional agents (hydrochlorothiazide 12.5-25 mg, amlodipine 5-10 mg, or hydralazine 50-100 mg twice daily) as needed for a goal BP of
VIOS Study Results
The arteriolar dimensions (W/L Ratios) in the olmesartan medoxomil and atenolol-based treatment groups were similar prior to drug treatment (14.9% and 16% respectively) whereas arteries from the normotensive subjects had significantly smaller W/L ratios (11%). At the end of the study the W/L ratio in the olmesartan medoxomil-based treatment group was significantly reduced (from 14.9% to a mean of 11.1%; P
This study was supported through an unrestricted grant from Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
Ongoing Studies with Olmesartan Medoxomil
Olmestartan medoxomil is currently being reviewed in several outcomes trials, including the landmark “Randomized Olmesartan And Diabetes MicroAlbuminuria Prevention Study” or ROADMAP trial. This is a Phase IV multinational clinical study to investigate the drug’s effectiveness in preventing early stage kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. The trial is being conducted at 200 sites in 20 countries involving 4,400 patients. Another study, titled “Olmesartan Reducing Incidence of End stage renal stage in diabetic Nephropathy Trial,” or ORIENT, targeting Japanese and Hong Kong Chinese patients, is investigating the suppressive effects of the drug against the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
About BENICAR and BENICAR HCT
Angiotensin II is a hormone that interacts with a receptor on arterial blood vessels, which results in constriction and increasing blood pressure. In addition, angiotensin II stimulates the release of another hormone that causes enhanced sodium and chloride (salt) retention, with a resultant increase in vascular water retention and blood volume that also contributes to an elevation in blood pressure. BENICAR is a member of the ARB class of antihypertensive medications that help lower blood pressure by blocking the angiotensin II receptor on the blood vessels and antagonizing the release of the hormone which causes salt retention and increased blood volume. BENICAR HCT combines BENICAR with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide.
BENICAR and BENICAR HCT are indicated for the treatment of hypertension. They may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. BENICAR HCT is not indicated for initial therapy.
Important Safety Information USE IN PREGNANCY
When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. When pregnancy is detected, BENICAR or BENICAR HCT should be discontinued as soon as possible. See WARNINGS, Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality in the prescribing information.
Hypotension in Volume- or Salt-Depleted Patients
In patients with an activated renin-angiotensin system, such as volume- and/or salt-depleted patients (eg, those being treated with high doses of diuretics), symptomatic hypotension may occur after initiation of treatment with BENICAR. Treatment should start under close medical supervision. If hypotension does occur, the patient should be placed in the supine position and, if necessary, given an intravenous infusion of normal saline. A transient hypotensive response is not a contraindication to further treatment, which usually can be continued without difficulty once the blood pressure has stabilized.
Impaired Renal Function
In studies of ACE inhibitors in patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, increases in serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen (BUN) have been reported. There has been no long-term use of olmesartan medoxomil in patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, but similar results may be expected.
The prescribing information for BENICAR HCT also includes the following warnings regarding its hydrochlorothiazide component:
BENICAR HCT is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment and is contraindicated in patients with anuria or hypersensitivity to other sulfonamide derived drugs.
Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality
Thiazides cross the placental barrier and appear in cord blood. There is a risk of fetal or neonatal jaundice, thrombocytopenia, and possibly other adverse reactions that have occurred in adults.
Hepatic Impairment
Thiazides should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function or progressive liver disease, since minor alterations of fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma.
Hypersensitivity Reaction
Hypersensitivity reactions to hydrochlorothiazide may occur in patients with or without a history of allergy or bronchial asthma, but are more likely in patients with such a history.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Thiazide diuretics have been reported to cause exacerbation or activation of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Lithium Interaction Lithium generally should not be given with thiazides. Adverse Events -- The withdrawal rates due to adverse events (AEs) were similar with BENICAR and BENICAR HCT to placebo: BENICAR (2.4% vs 2.7%); BENICAR HCT (2.0% vs 2.0%) -- The incidence of AEs with BENICAR and BENICAR HCT was similar to placebo -- The only AE that occurred in > 1% of patients treated with BENICAR and more frequently than placebo was dizziness (3% vs 1%) -- AEs reported in > 2% of patients taking BENICAR HCT and more frequently than placebo included nausea (3% vs 0%), hyperuricemia (4% vs 2%), dizziness (9% vs 2%), and upper respiratory tract infection (7% vs 0%) Dosing and Administration -- No initial dosage adjustments are recommended with BENICAR in elderly or in moderate to marked renal impairment*/hepatic dysfunction -- In patients with possible depletion of intravascular volume (eg, patients on diuretics, particularly with impaired renal function), BENICAR should be initiated under close medical supervision and consideration given to use of a lower starting dose -- For BENICAR HCT, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosage range *Creatinine clearanceDaiichi Sankyo, Inc., headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, is the U.S. subsidiary of Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest pharmaceutical company and a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation since 1899. The company is dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines that improve the lives of patients throughout the world.
The primary focus of Daiichi Sankyo's research and development is cardiovascular disease, including therapies for dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and acute coronary syndrome. The company is also pursuing the discovery of new medicines in the areas of glucose metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, bone and joint diseases, and immune disorders. For more information, please visit http://www.dsus.com/.
1. Smith, Ronalde et al. "Reversal of vascular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients through blockade of angiotensin II receptors. J Am Soc Hypertension 2008;2(3);165-172 2. Smith, Ronalde et al. "Reversal of vascular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients through blockade of angiotensin II receptors. J Am Soc Hypertension 2008;2(3);165-172 3. Intengan, HD et al. Resistance Artery Mechanics, Structure, and Extracellular Components in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Effects of Angiotensin Receptor Antagonism and Converting Enzyme Inhibition. Circulation 1999;100;2267-75 4. Schiffrin EL, Park JB, Intengan HD, Touyz RM. Correction of arterial structure and endothelial dysfunction in human essential hypertension by the angiotensin receptor antagonist losartan. Circulation 2000;101:1653-9. 5. Schiffrin EL. Vascular and cardiac benefits of angiotensin receptor blockers. Am J Med 2002;113:409-18. 6. Schiffrin EL, Park JB, Intengan HD, Touyz RM. Correction of arterial structure and endothelial dysfunction in human essential hypertension by the angiotensin receptor antagonist losartan. Circulation 2000;101: 1653-9. 7. Mulvany MJ. Effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on vascular remodeling of resistance vessels in hypertensive patients. Metabolism 1998;47(12 suppl1):S20-3 8. Schiffrin EL, Park JB, Pu Q. Effect of crossing over hypertensive patients from a beta-blocker to an angiotensin receptor antagonist on resistance artery structure and on endothelial function. J Hypertens 2002;20:71-8 9. Thybo NK, Stephens N, Cooper A, Aalkjaer C, Heagerty AM, Mulvany MJ. Effect of antihypertensive treatment on small arteries of patients with previously untreated essential hypertension. Hypertension 1995; 25:474-81 10. Schiffrin EL, Deng LY, Larochelle P. Effects of a beta-blocker or a converting enzyme inhibitor on resistance arteries in essential hypertension. Hypertension 1994;23:83-91 11. Schiffrin EL, Deng LY. Structure and function of resistance arteries of hypertensive patients treated with a beta-blocker or a calcium channel antagonist. J Hypertens 1996;14:1247-55 12. Schiffrin EL. Remodeling of resistance arteries in essential hypertension and effects of antihypertensive treatment. Am J Hypertens 2004;17:1192-200 13. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4621 Site accessed 4/18/2008 14. High Blood Pressure; Why Should I Care. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2129 Site accessed 6/3/2008 15. Lewis, EJ. The Role of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers in Preventing the Progression of Renal Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Am J Hypertension 2002;15;123S-8S 16. Brenner BM, Cooper ME, de Zeeuw D, et al. Effects of losartan on renal and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. N Engl J Med 2001;345:861-9. 17. Dahlof B, Pennert K, Hansson L. Reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients. A metaanalysis of 109 treatment studies. Am J Hypertens 1992;5:95-110. 18. Dahlof B, Devereux RB, Kjeldsen SE, et al. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint Reduction in Hypertension Study (LIFE): a randomized trial against atenolol. Lancet 2002;359:995-1003. 19. Smith, Ronalde et al. "Reversal of vascular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients through blockade of angiotensin II receptors. J Am Soc Hypertension 2008;2(3);165-172 20. Smith, Ronalde et al. "Reversal of vascular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients through blockade of angiotensin II receptors. J Am Soc Hypertension 2008;2(3);165-172 21. JNC 7 = The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7), which issued new guidelines in 2003 for hypertension prevention and management. 22. Smith, Ronalde et al. "Reversal of vascular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients through blockade of angiotensin II receptors. J Am Soc Hypertension 2008;2(3);165-172 For more information, please contact: Kimberly Wix Rich Salem Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. Office: 973 695 8338 Office: 973 695 8330 Cell: 908 656 5447 Cell: 973 563 1086 [email protected] [email protected]Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
CONTACT: Kimberly Wix, Office, +1-973-695-8338, Cell, +1-908-656-5447,[email protected]; or Rich Salem, Office, +1-973-695-8330, Cell, +1-973-563-1086,[email protected], both of Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
Web site: http://www.dsus.com/
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