Efficacy and Safety of Aliskiren and Atenolol in Adults (>18) With Mild to Moderate Hypertension

A Twelve-week, Randomized, Double-blind, Parallel-group, Multicenter, Dose Escalation Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Aliskiren Administered Alone and in Combination With Atenolol in Patients With Essential Hypertension

This is a study for people diagnosed with hypertension to compare the safety and effectiveness of aliskiren alone and in combination with atenolol. Each patient will be in the study for 12 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Outpatients 18 years of age and older.
2. Patients with essential hypertension.

Exclusion Criteria:

Severe hypertension, Current diagnosis of heart failure, History or evidence of a secondary form of hypertension, Participation in any investigational drug study within one month of planned participation,

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply