Novartis gets approval for Exforge

Novartis has announced that its single-tablet blood pressure medicine Exforge has received final approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The medicine combines an angiotensin receptor blocker – Diovan – and a calcium channel blocker – Norvasc – which Novartis describes as “two of the world’s most prescribed high blood pressure medicines”, into a single tablet.

“High blood pressure continues to be a major public health issue in the US. Many patients will require multiple medications to achieve blood pressure control,” said Dr Bertram Pitt, a professor of medicine emeritus at the University of Michigan School of Medicine division of cardiology.

“This new treatment offers great efficacy and improved convenience with a single tablet that will simplify treatment for patients.”

The US joins Germany and the UK as well as five other EU countries to have made the drug available following its approval across the EU in January of this year. The medicine is also available in Switzerland.

Novartis believes that Exforge will prove to be an “effective treatment option” for millions of people in the US that suffer from high blood pressure.

According to the American Heart Association, one-third of Americans with high blood pressure do not know they suffer from the problem.