Aliskiren Study of Safety and Efficacy in Senior Hypertensives

A Randomized, Double-blind, Parallel Group, Active-controlled Study to Compare the Systolic Blood Pressure Lowering Efficacy of Aliskiren, Ramipril and a Combination of Aliskiren and Amlodipine, With an Initial 8-week Evaluation, Followed by a 2-3 Year Follow-up to Compare Long-term Safety of an Aliskiren-based Regimen to a Ramipril-based Regimen in Hypertensive Patients ≥ 65 Years of Age

This study is designed to compare the blood pressure lowering efficacy of aliskiren, a combination of aliskiren plus amlodipine, and ramipril in elderly patients with mild to moderate hypertension. It will also compare the long-term safety of an aliskiren-based regimen to a ramipril-based regimen

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients ≥ 65 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of essential hypertension at Visit 1.
• Mean sitting SBP (MSSBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and < 180 mmHg at Visit 2/Visit 201 and Visit 3.
• Absolute MSSBP difference ≤ 20 mmHg between Visit 3 and the Visit immediately prior

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of hypersensitivity to any of the study drugs or to drugs of similar chemical classes.
• Severe hypertension (MSSBP ≥ 180 mmHg or MSDBP ≥ 110 mmHg) at Visit 1, Visit 2, Visit 201 or Visit 3 or during patient self measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring in the pre-randomization period confirmed by office measurement.
• Current treatment with any blocker of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) (aliskiren, ACE inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker or an aldosterone antagonist) and unable to discontinue this therapy.
• Concurrent use of any anti-hypertensive medications except a stable dose of 3 months prior to Visit 1 of alpha adrenergic blockers for benign prostatic hypertrophy (e.g., tamsulosin [Flomax®] for benign prostatic hypertrophy), beta blockers for angina, or beta blocker ophthalmic preparations.
• Contraindications to aliskiren, ramipril, amlodipine, or hydrochlorothiazide. Other protocol defined inclusion/exclusion criteria apply