This study will evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile, the effect of rennin inhibition and the relationship among pharmacokinetics, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) biomarkers, and blood pressure lowering effects of oral doses of SPP100 in Japanese patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. Safety will also be evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Japanese patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension aged 20 to 80 years

• Blood pressure: Mean (based on 3 recordings at 1-2 minute intervals) sitting diastolic blood pressure values on 14 days or 3 days before the treatment should meet the following criteria:

  • 14 days before treatment: ≥ 90 mmHg and < 110 mmHg
  • 3 days before treatment: ≥ 95 mmHg and < 110 mmHg
  • The difference in mean sitting diastolic blood pressure between 14 days and 3 days before the treatment is within 10 mmHg

• Body weight no less than 50 kg

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with mean (based on 3 recordings at 1-2 minute intervals) systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg and/or mean diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mmHg at Day -28, Day -14 and Day -3.
• Patients with or suspected of having secondary hypertension
• Patients suspected of having malignant hypertension

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply