Diovan (valsartan), an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) marketed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals of East Hanover, N.J., has been approved for treating hypertension in children and adolescents aged six to 16.

The beta blocker Bystolic (nebivolol), a once-daily medication that can be used alone or in combination with other hypertension treatments, has received FDA marketing clearance.

The FDA has cleared the antihypertensive agent Avalide (irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide) as the first combination therapy for initial use in patients who are likely to need multiple drugs to achieve their BP goals.

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., of Parsippany, N.J., the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's second-largest pharmaceutical company, has received approval for Azor (amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil), a once-daily single tablet for the treatment of hypertension.

Older age and hypertension increase the risk of renal impairment among live kidney donors, according to South Korean researchers.

USING A SINGLE drug to block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) may be just as effective as using two drugs at decreasing albuminuria in hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria and elevated cardiovascular risks, data suggest. Dual RAAS blockade achieves greater BP reductions, however.

BP-LOWERING treatment with perindopril decreases the likelihood of major vascular events and stroke in CKD patients with cerebrovascular disease.

STATIN USE is associated with higher rates of BP control, according to researchers.

BLOCKING THE renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) with one drug may be just as effective as using two drugs at decreasing albuminuria in hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria and elevated cardiovascular risks, data suggest. Dual RAAS blockade achieves greater BP reductions, however.

CHICAGO—At least three of every four high-risk hypertensive patients started on single-tablet, fixed-dose, dual-mechanism therapy achieve the recommended target BP of less than 140/90 mm Hg after 18 months, according to preliminary results of an ongoing global trial.