Dual RAA System Inhibition by Aliskiren and Valsartan

The combination is slightly more efficacious than either drug alone and is well tolerated.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system has emerged as a key target for antihypertensive therapy. Trials have shown the effectiveness of both ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) on clinical outcomes. However, the few studies of these drugs in combination to date have shown questionable benefits and inferior tolerability, compared with monotherapy. Does dual RAA system inhibition with aliskiren (an orally active direct renin inhibitor) plus valsartan (an ARB), each at its maximum approved therapeutic dose, have greater potential than previously studied combinations of ACE inhibitors and ARBs?

In a manufacturer-sponsored, multicenter trial, researchers randomized 1797 patients with essential hypertension (mean sittin…

Reviewing Author

Beat J. Meyer, MD

Disclosures

Leadership positions in professional societiesBern Heart Foundation (President); International Academy of Medicine, Bern, Switzerland (Director)

Beat J. Meyer, MD

Disclosures

Leadership positions in professional societiesBern Heart Foundation (President); International Academy of Medicine, Bern, Switzerland (Director)

Dual RAA System Inhibition by Aliskiren and Valsartan

Topics

Reviewing Author