Atacand Plus Hypertension Treatment gains EU approval

ATACAND® PLUS HYPERTENSION TREATMENT GAINS EU APPROVAL AstraZeneca today announced that its new hypertension treatment Atacand® Plus has gained EU mutual recognition in 12 countries. Hypertension is one of the major treatable factors contributing to the burden of cardiovascular disease worldwide. It is estimated to affect approximately one out of five adults in industrialised countries. Atacand® Plus is a combination tablet of the AT1 -receptor blocker, candesartan cilexetil (Atacand®) and the widely used diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. It represents an important new antihypertensive product, providing a clinically useful extension of the benefits of Atacand® itself, particularly in those who need intensive blood pressure reduction, offering a combination of outstanding and maintained efficacy with excellent tolerability. The market for this type of fixed combination treatment is valued to MUSD 450 and growing at an impressive 88 %, reflecting the continued adoption of more aggressive therapy in order to reach recommended target blood pressure levels. Studies with Atacand® Plus have confirmed a greater efficacy than with the corresponding monocomponents at a maintained, placebo-like tolerability. Blood pressure reductions observed have usually been in the range of 20-30 mm Hg systolic and 10-20 mm Hg diastolic, from baseline, depending on the patient population studied. The blood pressure reductions achieved with Atacand® Plus are smooth and consistent with virtually no difference between trough and peak effects, ensuring that blood pressure is well controlled throughout the 24-hour dosing interval. .../cont'd One study presented for the first time at the 3rd International Symposium on Angiotensin II Antagonism in London this week demonstrates that Atacand® Plus reduces mean seated systolic/diastolic blood pressures by a remarkable 32/21 mm Hg after 6 weeks of treatment, 24 hours after dose. Tolerability was excellent throughout the study. Virtually all patients (98%) responded to Atacand® Plus and the majority achieved good blood pressure control. Furthermore, Atacand® Plus was significantly more effective than the comparator combination of losartan, 50 mg, and hydrochlorothiazide, 12.5 mg and provided longer-lasting blood pressure control, even after a missed dose. "Atacand® is already a strong player in the AT1 -receptor blocker class", said Dr Hamish Cameron, Vice President, Head of Cardiovascular Therapy Area, "and we expect major additional expansion of the Atacand® franchise following the launch of Atacand® Plus". AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of ethical (prescription) pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world with healthcare sales of over $15 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, oncology, anaesthesia including pain management, cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory products. Candesartan cilexetil is marketed by AstraZeneca under the brand name Atacand® in most European markets, and Amias® in the UK. Candesartan cilexetil is manufactured under the licence from Takeda Industries Ltd. Further enquires to: Lucy Williams, Media Relations tel: +44 (0)171-304-5034 Steve Brown, Media Relations tel: +44 (0)171-304-5033 Mikael Widell, Media Relations tel: +46 8 553 264 28/+46 703 119960 .../cont'd Note to editors: Atacand® is an AT1-receptor blocker. The AT1-receptor is the final stage in a control pathway that drives many aspects of high blood pressure. These include narrowing and thickening of blood vessels, salt and water retention, and activation of nervous pathways that stimulate the heart and cardiovascular system. Normally this pathway is activated by angiotensin II, and effective blockade at the AT1-receptor prevents all the major negative effects of angiotensin II, significantly reducing high blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide has been established over many years as an effective antihypertensive drug, and at low doses is very well tolerated. The diuretic works in a complementary way to the AT1-receptor blocker, enhancing its effectiveness in the clinic while maintaining very good tolerability. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/03/01/20000301BIT00520/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/03/01/20000301BIT00520/bit0002.pdf