Compare the Effect of Aliskiren Plus Valsartan Versus Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACEi) Plus Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) [Ramipril Plus Telmisartan] on the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) in Hypertensive Patients

An 8 Week, Double-blind, Randomized, Parallel-group Study to Compare the Effect of Aliskiren 300mg + Valsartan 320mg vs. Telmisartan 80mg + Ramipril 10mg on Biomarkers of the Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone System in Moderate Hypertension

This study is designed as a mechanistic study to compare the effect of two different combinations of anti-hypertensive treatments (aliskiren and valsartan vs. telmisartan and ramipril) on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in patients with moderate hypertension.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males or females of non-childbearing potential, 18 to 65 years of age with moderate hypertension
• Patients who are eligible and able to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria:

• Severe hypertension or secondary form of hypertension.
• Serum potassium > 5.1 mEq/L (mmol/L)
• Heart failure
• Any history of hypertensive encephalopathy or cerebrovascular accident; any history of TIA, myocardial infarction, coronary bypass surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention
• Uncontrolled or life-threatening arrythmia

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply