Novartis drug offers unique mode of action

MANILA, Philippines - The novel drug aliskiren, through its unique mode of action, can address the limitations of currently available anti-hypertensive drugs, according to experts.

“Unlike other currently available classes of anti-hypertensive drugs that target the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) at the later stages of the blood pressure-regulating process, aliskiren acts at the beginning of this vital process,” explained Dr. Alan Gradman, cardiologist at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital and professor of medicine at Temple University in Pennsylvania, USA.

The first-in-its-class direct renin inhibitor (DRI) aliskiren is the first and only high blood pressure medication that inhibits renin, an enzyme produced by the kidneys.

Renin initiates a process that leads to the narrowing of blood vessels throughout the body. When these blood vessels are narrowed, blood pressure increases.

“By inhibiting the action of renin, aliskiren helps blood vessels relax so blood pressure is lowered,” said Gradman who was involved in the clinical trials on aliskiren.

According to Gradman, low blood pressure prompts the kidneys to secrete renin. Renin then triggers the RAS causing blood vessels to narrow, thus elevating blood pressure.

“While crucial in maintaining normal levels of blood pressure in the body, the RAS can sometimes become overactive and cause hypertension. By directly inhibiting renin, aliskiren addresses the problem at its root,” Gradman said.

“More than 85 percent of Filipino patients with hypertension are unable to control their high blood pressure,” said Dr. Jorge Sison, chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine of Medical Center Manila, citing results of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) 2007 nationwide survey PRESYON 2.

“The survey results underscore the need for more effective anti-hypertension drugs,” Sison said.

“The direct renin inhibitor aliskiren provides an innovative way to drive high blood pressure down. With direct renin inhibition, patients no longer have to go down the road of increased blood pressure brought on by renin,” said Dr. Lynn Gomez, a kidney specialist (nephrologist) and past president of the Philippine Society of Nephrology.

“Novartis is committed to providing innovative and effective anti-hypertension medicines such as aliskiren to more Filipino patients. We believe that aliskiren’s unique mode of action can help hypertensive patients better control their high blood pressure,” said Eric van Oppens, president and CEO of Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

“As a global leader in cardiovascular and metabolic health for nearly 50 years, Novartis will continue to discover and develop innovative therapies for hypertension. Aliskiren is proven safe and effective in driving high blood pressure down,” said Sally Fairbrother, CVM marketing head of Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

“Patients can avail themselves of substantial discounts on aliskiren through our Kaagapay patient compliance program. Kaagapay is an integral part of the Novartis advocacy to provide more Filipino patients with access to effective medicines,” said Christine Liwanag, corporate affairs and market access director of Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

Through Kaagapay, Novartis is also implementing other innovative access programs in the country. The Novartis Malaria Initiatives has provided over 172,260 treatments of its highly effective malaria drug artemether/lumefantrine to Filipino patients at cost.

The Novartis Oncology Access program has helped provide the breakthrough treatment imatinib to over 1,100 Filipino cancer patients since its inception in 2003.

“From 2006 to 2009, benefits provided by the NOA program to Filipino cancer patients are valued at over P3 billion,” Liwanag said.

The DOH-Valsartan Access Program, an innovative partnership between the Department of Health (DOH) and Novartis Philippines, provides low-income Filipino patients with access to an effective blood-pressure lowering medicine.

“It marks the first time a research-based pharmaceutical company has embarked on a strategic partnership with the DOH in promoting access to essential, patented medicines. The DOH-Valsartan Access Program specifically benefits low-income Filipino patients who represent the majority of the country’s population,” said Dr. Robert Louie So, DOH-National Center for Pharmaceutical Access and Management program manager.