Tekturna Approved by FDA for High Blood Pressure Treatment

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug, called Tekturna, for the treatment of high blood pressure. The drug was widely anticipated to be approved, but is still an exciting piece of news because Tekturna works via a mechanism that has not previously been exploited for blood pressure control. Tekturna works by inhibiting an enzyme called renin, which is involved in the regulation of blood pressure. Renin comes from the kidneys and blocking it can cause powerful reductions in blood pressure, allowing people to possibly reach their treatment goals more quickly.

Studies done on the drug prior to it's approval showed that it has a mild side effect profile and works well in combination with other high blood pressure drugs, especially hydrochlorothiazide. Because people of certain ethnic backgrounds, most notably those of African heritage, tend to have types of high blood pressure that aren't very dependent on renin, this drug is not as effective in those populations.

Tekturna is new, and thus protected by drug patent laws. This means that no generic version will be available for several years, and the drug may be fairly expensive, though no firm pricing has yet been established.