FDA Clears Japanese Blood Pressure Drug

According to the Associated Press, Japanese drugmaker Daiichi Sankyo Inc. said that FDA regulators have approved the sale of its three-in-one high blood pressure drug Tribenzor. Daiichi Sankyo said the once-daily pill could simplify treatment for many patients. It combines three different drugs: hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that reduces the amount of water in the blood; amlodipine, a drug that blocks calcium from entering blood vessel walls; and olmesartan medoxomil, which blocks chemicals that can tighten blood vessels. Pfizer Inc. originally marketed Amlodipine under the name Norvasc, and Daiichi Sankyo marketed olmesartan medoxomil under the name Benicar.