Novartis's Tekturna restricts heart enlargement

ZURICH, March 31 (Reuters) - Novartis AG's (NOVN.VX: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) blood pressure drug Tekturna was as effective as the current standard treatment in restricting enlargement of the heart, according to data presented on Monday.

But Tekturna, co-developed with Swiss biotech company Speedel (SPPN.S: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), failed to achieve the target when used in combination with Cozaar, the data presented at an American Congress of Cardiology meeting in Chicago showed.

Enlargement of the left ventricle, a common symptom of high blood pressure, is an indicator of possible damage to internal organs.

Tekturna, whether taken alone or in combination with Cozaar, was well tolerated and showed a very low level of adverse events.

Cozaar was co-developed by Merck & Co (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and DuPont Co (DD.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and also known by its generic name losartan.

The potential blockbuster Tekturna, also known as aliskiren, is approved for use in the United States and Europe. (Reporting by Sam Cage; Editing by Paul Bolding)