UAE doctors to be briefed on major cardiovascular risk reduction study

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About the VALUE study
VALUE was a prospective, double-blind, randomised, active-controlled study conducted at 934 clinical sites in 31 countries.

Patients in VALUE were men and women aged 50 or older with high blood pressure and additional cardiovascular risk factors or cardiovascular disease. The mean age of patients was 67.2 years. Co-existing risk factors and diseases for patients at the start of the study included coronary heart disease (45.8% of patients), type 2 diabetes (31.7%), and history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (19.8%).

The vast majority of VALUE patients (92.3% of the study population) had already been treated with antihypertensive medications prior to the start of the trial.

Patients in the amlodipine-based group experienced more than double the rate of the most frequently reported side effect, peripheral oedema (33% vs. 15%). Adverse events reported more frequently in the Diovan-based group vs. the amlodipine-based group included dizziness and headache.

The global risk of high blood pressure
High blood pressure is a public health crisis, affecting one billion people worldwide, or one-sixth of the world population. In spite of available effective treatments, nearly 70% of those with high blood pressure do not have it adequately controlled. Uncontrolled high blood pressure leads to life-threatening health problems such as heart attack, heart failure and other potentially fatal events.

Diovan is the fastest growing branded antihypertensive on the market today and is available in more than 80 countries for the treatment of hypertension. Diovan is also available in 56 countries for use in heart failure. On the basis of the results of VALIANT, Novartis has submitted marketing authorisation applications to regulatory authorities around the world for a new indication for Diovan for use in patients at risk after having survived a heart attack. In addition to powerful double-digit blood pressure reductions and superior tolerability, patient persistency and patient compliance, Diovan has proven cardioprotective benefits beyond lowering blood pressure.

About Novartis
Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) is a world leader in pharmaceuticals and consumer health. In 2003, the Group's business achieved sales of USD 24.9 billion and a net income of USD 5.0 billion. The Group invested approximately USD 3.8 billion in R&D. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ about 78,500 people and operate in over 140 countries around the world.