Novartis is touting the results of two late-stage studies that demonstrate that Rasilez and Exforge are safe and effective. Rasilez is designed to control hypertension and has been submitted to the FDA for marketing approval. If accepted by the agency, analysts say the drug has a good shot at reaching a blockbuster billion dollars in sales. The drug works by regulating renin, which plays a role in causing blood pressure. It would be the first new blood pressure drug on the market in 10 years. Exforge, though, is a combination of two drugs already on the market to control blood pressure. Analysts estimate its peak sales potential at around $500 million. The data was unveiled at the American Society of Hypertension's annual meeting in New York and is expected to be one of the leading studies to be discussed.
- read the report from The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.)
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