ROCKVILLE, Md., March 6 -- The FDA said today it has approved aliskiren (Tektuma), the first oral direct renin inhibitor for treatment of hypertension.
Unlike angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors that attack the middle of the renin-angiotensin cascade, or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) that target the bottom of the cascade, aliskiren interferes at the top of the renin-angiotensin cascade -- before any disruption of blood pressure regulation.
In clinical trials reported at the American Society of Hypertension meeting in 2006, the drug was also touted for its ability to smooth out the daily peaks and troughs of blood pressure. Variations in blood pressure during the day are thought to increase the risk of end organ damage.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/ProductAlert/Prescriptions/tb1/5201
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