The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of valsartan plus amlodipine in hypertensive patients not responding to treatment with ACE inhibitor plus calcium channel blocker

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female patients (18 years or older)
• Females must be either post-menopausal for one year, surgically sterile or using effective contraceptive methods (e.g. barrier method with spermicide, intra-uterine device, hormonal contraceptives).
• Patients with moderate essential hypertension (WHO II)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe hypertension
• Pregnant or nursing women
• Treated hypertensive patients with controlled hypertension under current therapy (MSDBP < 90 mmHg and MSSBP < 140 mmHg)
• A history of cardiovascular disease, including angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, transient ischemic attack, stroke, and heart failure NYHA II - IV
• Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply