To assess the effect of naproxcinod vs. naproxen on arterial blood pressure patients with osteoarthritis and controlled essential hypertension

This is a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study comparing the effect of naproxcinod and naproxen on 24 hour arterial blood pressure profile. Patients will be randomly allocated to different naproxcinod or naproxen doses in a 1:1 ratio.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men/Women, 40 or older, diagnosed with hip or knee Osteoarthritis.
• Hypertensive patient with treated and controlled essential hypertension.
• Must receive at least one antihypertensive treatment from the following drug classes: Diuretic, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) or Beta-Blocker (BB).
• Must be current chronic user of NSAIDS or acetaminophen.
• Must discontinue all analgesic therapy at Screening.

Exclusion Criteria:

• More than two different classes of antihypertensive drugs.
• Uncontrolled diabetes.
• Hepatic or renal impairment.
• A history of alcohol/drug abuse.
• Diagnosis of gastric or duodenal ulceration and/or history of significant gastro-duodenal bleeding.
• History of congestive heart failure.
• Clinically relevant abnormal ECG.
• Current or expected use of anticoagulants.
• Current or history of any medical disease that could interfere with the study objectives or put the patient's safety at risk.
• Participation within 30 days prior to pre-screening in another investigational study.