FDA OK’s Novartis’ Blood-Pressure Drug

Novartis said Tuesday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Tekturna, the first in a new class of high-blood-pressure medications.

Tekturna, a direct renin inhibitor, targets the enzyme renin, which plays a role in causing hypertension. Novartis said the drug will be available in March.

Many patients require two or more medicines to control their blood pressure, said James Shannon, Novartis’ global head of development. As a new treatment approach, Tekturna has the potential to help these patients manage their disease.

The FDA approval is for monotherapy or in combination with other high-blood-pressure medications.

Novartis said it is committed to conducting a large outcome trial program to evaluate the long-term effects of Tekturna and direct renin inhibition.