Efficacy and Safety of Aliskiren and Valsartan Versus Placebo in Patients Stabilized Following an Acute Coronary Syndrome

A Randomized, Double-blind, Parallel-group, Placebo-controlled, Multinational Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Aliskiren and Valsartan Versus Placebo in Lowering Levels on NT-proBNP in Stabilized Patients Post Acute Coronary Syndromes

The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that the inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) with the angiotensin receptor blocker valsartan or the renin antagonist aliskiren will improve ventricular hemodynamics, as reflected by a greater reduction in levels of N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) compared to placebo in subjects stabilized following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are determined to be at high risk due to an elevated concentration of natriuretic peptides.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female outpatients 18 years old or older
• Subjects who are hospitalized for ischemic chest discomfort at rest lasting at least 10 minutes and consistent with cardiac ischemia
• Final diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome
• Elevated concentrations of natriuretic peptide 3-10 days after admission for their qualifying acute coronary syndrome event

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known or suspected contraindications, including history of allergy or hypersensitivity to angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), renin antagonists, or to drugs with similar chemical structures.
• Presence of clinically overt heart failure
• Known evidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction
• Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) less than 24 hours before randomization.
• Patients on chronic ACEI or ARB therapy for whom therapy with an ACEI or ARB is clinically required with no reasonable alternative therapy available.

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria applied to the study.