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.
No relevant differences were identified between the adverse experience profiles for pediatric patients and adult patients.
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“Novartis believes it is important to provide physicians with treatment options such as Diovan which are effective in treating high blood pressure in this vulnerable population,” said John Orloff, MD, the company’s senior vice president for medical and drug regulatory affairs.
Experts suggest that the increase in incidence of high BP among pediatric patients is linked to the growing childhood obesity epidemic.
