Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG (NOVN.VX) received U.S. approval for a new treatment of high blood pressure, broadening the use of Tekturna, the successor to the group’s best-selling drug, Diovan.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tekamlo tablets, a single-pill treatment of high blood pressure combining Tekturna with the widely used calcium channel blocker amlodipine, the Swiss group said on Friday.

Studies showed Tekamlo significantly reduced blood pressure compared to amlodipine or Tekturna alone, Novartis said.

Tekturna is from a new class of drugs that works by directly blocking the hormone renin. Other hypertension drugs also work on the renin-angiotensin system, which regulates blood pressure.

Tekturna’s success is key for Novartis as Diovan — also a high blood pressure treatment — loses patent protection in 2012.

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