The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Bystolic™ (nebivolol) for the treatment of hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Hypertension affects approximately 72 million adults in the U.S. and 65 percent of patients diagnosed with hypertension have not reduced their blood pressure to an acceptable range (blood pressure <140/90 mmHg), underscoring the need for additional therapeutic options.
Bystolic, a novel beta blocker, is a once-daily medication that can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other anti-hypertension treatments to reduce blood pressure with a low incidence of traditional beta blocker side effects. Bystolic works differently than many older beta blockers in that it is preferentially beta 1 selective at doses less than or equal to 10 mg, meaning it selectively blocks the effects of adrenaline at the heart. In addition, Bystolic vasodilates – or widens and expands - the blood vessels.
Bystolic, marketed in the U.S. by Forest Laboratories, Inc (NYSE: FRX), will be available in pharmacies nationwide in January 2008. For additional information, visit www.Bystolic.com or call 1-800-678-1605.
Hypertension Statistics: