This study will assess the efficacy and safety of LFF269 compared to placebo after treatment in subjects with essential hypertension.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male and female (post-menopausal or surgically sterile).
2. Age from 18 to 75 years inclusive.
3. Subjects with mild-to-moderate uncomplicated essential hypertension, with (not more than 2 in combination) or without prior treatment.
4. Subjects must weigh at least 50 kg to participate in the study, and must have a body mass index (BMI) within the range of 18 - 36 kg/m2.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History or evidence of a secondary form of hypertension,
2. History of cardiovascular disease. Type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus.
3. Clinically significant valvular heart disease.

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply