The US FDA approved two new, higher dose formulations of the high blood pressure medication Diovan HCT (valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide): 320/12.5 mg and 320/25 mg. The new formulations of Diovan HCT will be commercially available by early June 2006.

Diovan HCT is a combination of the efficacious blood pressure medicine Diovan (valsartan), the most prescribed agent in the ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) class, and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). The majority of high blood pressure patients will require a combination of two therapies, like Diovan HCT, to achieve blood pressure goals. Diovan HCT provides greater blood pressure-lowering benefits to patients who require more than either the diuretic or Diovan alone. Previously, Diovan HCT was available in 80/12.5 mg, 160/12.5 mg, and 160/25 mg tablets.

"Millions of patients already rely on Diovan and Diovan HCT to help them get to goal and maintain healthier blood pressure levels," Alex Gorsky, head of pharma, North America and chief executive officer, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation said adding, "The approval and availability of these new formulations means that, with Diovan HCT, physicians will have the widest and most flexible range of dosing options in the ARB class."

High blood pressure affects more than 65 million Americans or one in three adults.