Expanded EU label for Novartis' Diovan

The European Commission has approved a new and broader label for  Novartis' Diovan (valsartan) for high blood pressure, post-myocardial  infarction and heart failure.

The Swiss drug major noted that the EC decision makes Diovan the only  blood pressure lowering drug in its class to include all three  indications in the European Union.

The angiotensin II receptor blocker is the world's number one branded  high blood pressure medication. 2012 will see the loss of exclusivity on  the $5.0 billion-a-year drug, making it Novartis' best-selling product.  The expanded label will help the firm maximize earnings before the  patent expires.