UK launch for nebivolol and Menarini

Menarini of Italy's cardioselective beta blocker Nebilet (nebivolol) hasbeen launched in a new market, the UK, for the treatment of essential hypertension. The product was first introduced in Germany in 1997. Nebivolol is available in the UK at a National Health Service price of L9.80 ($15.90) for 28 x 5mg tablets. The recommended dose is a 5mg tablet taken once-daily.

At the launch of the drug in the UK, it was noted that nebivolol combines beta blockade with vasodilating properties, by virtue of its modulation of the release of nitric oxide from blood vessel epithelium. The drug is well-tolerated, with a low rate of beta blocker-associated side effects (eg impotence, lethargy and cold extremities), and benefits from an antihypertensive trough-to-peak ratio of almost 90%, which means that effective control of blood pressure is provided over almost the entire 24-hour period.

UK operation set up