New Type of Blood Pressure Medication is Approved

The FDA has approved a new drug called Tekturna to treat hypertension. This is the first FDA-approved drug in a new class of high blood pressure medications called “renin inhibitors”.

The enzyme renin, produced by the kidneys, can raise blood pressure. Tekturna, taken once daily by mouth, blocks that process.
Tekturna's effectiveness in lowering blood pressure was demonstrated in six clinical trials that included more than 2,000 people with mild to moderate hypertension.

Tekturna's side effects were usually mild and brief, the most common being diarrhea. Other less common side effects included cough and rash.

Tekturna is one of several blood pressure drugs that should not be taken during pregnancy because it may cause injury or death to the developing fetus.

Novartis, the company which produces Tekturna, says it will do a large trial to track the drug’s long-term effects