Press Release
Novartis Holds Media Workshop & Writing Contest on New Breakthrough in Hypertension Management
Jakarta, 6 December 2007 - Hypertention is the world’s number one killer. It is estimated more than 1 billion people globally or one (1) of four (4) adult has hypertension problem. This number is predicted to increase to be 1,6 billion by 2025.
Often times, patients are not aware of hypertension, that is why it is known as the ‘silent killer’. Not to mention the low awareness and knowledge about the disease which has led to incorrect or insufficient treatment.
After 40 years of researches to investigate an optimal therapy approach, a new breakthrough on hypertension therapy which works within the Renin system (Direct Renin Inhibitor) is established as the most current therapy approach to control hypertension to optimal level.
The Need to Inhibit the Renin System at its Point of Activation. For more than 40 years, drug researchers have focused on controlling over-activation of the Renin System. There are now many high blood pressure medicines that can affect the Renin System at various points. For example, angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEs) lower blood pressure by blocking formation of Ang II. However, ACE inhibitors cannot stop this process completely because Ang II can be produced in other ways. Another type of blood pressure medication, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), blocks Ang II's actions.
Direct Renin Inhibitors (DRI) is a therapy approach which works within the Renin system in the body which is central to blood pressure regulation. By directly inhibiting the system's point of activation – Renin – a direct renin inhibitor decreases the activity of the Renin System, as measured by plasma renin activity (PRA).
To be able to further explore the potential of Renin inhibitor (Direct Renin Inhbitor/DRI) in hypertension, Novartis Indonesia has taken an initiative to hold a Media Workshop and Media Writing Competition on the breakthrough of hypertension management. This workshop will be featuring Prof.DR.dr. Budi Setianto, SpJP, hypertension expert from National Heart Centre, Harapan Kita, Heart and Blood Vessel Hospital.
Media Writing Competition
The key objective of Novartis Media Writing Competition is to increase the spread of information, knowledge, understanding and management (4Ps) on hypertension to Indonesian public. More specific, this initiative is expected to increase public awareness on the breakthrough in future hypertension management, e.g Direct Renin Inhibitor
Renin Inhibition May Offer Other Benefits By reducing Ang II and lowering renin activity, renin inhibition may offer other health benefits. Studies are underway to determine what additional benefits beyond blood pressure are seen by reducing renin activity.
Further information on this competition can be seen at our site: www.id.novartis.com or by contacting the committee of Media Writing Competition at Novartis Indonesia, Wisma 46, Kota BNI, Lt.35 Jakarta, phone/fax : 021-2513251 / 021-5747455, email wanda.harahap@novartis.com atau peduli.hipertensi@novartis.com
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On March 7th, 1996 Sandoz and Ciba-Geigy, the two Swiss-based chemical/life sciences giants, became Novartis.