Olmetec first ARB to show sclerotic regress

Japanese drugmaker Daiichi Sankyo says that its angiotensin II receptor blocker Olmetec (olmesartan medoxomil), which is licensed in the UK for essential hypertension, is the first ARB to suggest a regression of atherosclerosis, as measured by plaque volume, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The data is published in the December 10 issue of Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease. Regression of PV is a compelling clinical goal, with potential to prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, the firm noted.

In the MORE 2 study the primary endpoint, common carotid-intima media thickness, a surrogate risk factor for CVD, decreased after two years treatment with olmesartan. In the MORE study, olmesartan did not significantly reduce plaque volume compared with the beta blocker atenolol in the overall population. However, in a post hoc analysis of patients with above average plaques (greater than 33mcl) at baseline (those at greater risk of cardiovascular events) olmesartan showed a significant reduction in PV of 8.9%, compared with a 2.4% increase with atenolol. In very large plaques the beneficial effect of olmesartan was even greater, with a 12.8% decline and 2.1% rise, respectively.