4 June 2008 - Data from the AVOID study published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrate that the first-in-class direct renin inhibitor Rasilez®1 (aliskiren), known as Tekturna®[1] in the US, may have potential kidney-protective benefits that are independent of its already proven ability to provide powerful blood pressure reductions[2],[4]. AVOID is the first substantial clinical trial to present data on potential kidney-protective benefits of Rasilez[1]. Damage to the kidneys caused by diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in developed countries, affecting more than 1.5 million people worldwide[2],[5].In the AVOID study, Rasilez/Tekturna1 reduced albuminuria, a key indicator of kidney disease, by an additional 20% in type 2 diabetic patients with kidney disease who also had a diagnosis of high blood pressure. These patients were already taking the maximum dose of the angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) losartan, which has been shown to slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease[2],[6].
In patients with diabetes, the first sign of kidney disease is the presence of albumin in the urine, a condition called albuminuria[3]. Albuminuria is a key indicator of kidney disease and cardiovascular disease[3]. Reducing albuminuria is associated with a reduction of cardiovascular events[7] and slows the progression of kidney disease, which can reduce the risk of chronic kidney failure in type 2 diabetic patients with kidney disease and high blood pressure[8],[9]... Speedel's Press Release -
