Novartis' New Blood Pressure Weapon

  Tekturna is an oral, once daily medication which is the first renin inhibitor on the US market.It inhibits renin directly and blocks the renin-angiotensin system at its initiation. This prevents buildup of angiotensin I and II and does not interfere with the kinin system.In clinical trials, Tekturna has been shown to control BP as well as angiotensin receptor blockers and to have a better safety...

Tekturna (Novartis) is the first direct renin inhibitor to be approved by FDA. It is unlikely to differ much from angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. Thus, Tekturna is not really “new” in terms of its broader class as renin-angiotensin inhibitor. Nevertheless, depending on how well it is marketed, Tekturna could be very successful and pose a challenge to...

We need to think twice before approving medications without well-characterized outcomes.

Hypertension has been poorly controlled in people affected by the condition. Some of the reason may be the lack of patient compliance, coupled with the fact that multiple drugs are often used to keep the individual stable. There is little any new drug will do to improve patient compliance short of making the drug taste like chocolate covered strawberries. However, Tekturna holds promise in the area...

This new class of antihypertensive has not really gotten the press, that one would expect. It effects the renin system up front. However, just like ACE and ARB's it is not better in blacks. It's side effect profile is also very similar to existing ACE inhibitors. Whether it will be a better drug will need post marketing results.