FDA approves heart treatment drug Entresto

According to reports, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug from Novartis for treatment of heart failure. The drug helped reduce death and severe conditions caused by the problem. The drug named Entresto has already led to a lot of excitement.

Almost a year ago, announcement regarding the results of a clinical trial was made. The results showed a 20% decrease in the risk of fatality from cardiovascular diseases or hospitalization for severe heart problem.

It has been announced by Novartis that Entresto is "indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization in patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA class II-IV) and reduced ejection fraction. Entresto is usually administered in conjunction with other heart failure therapies, in place of an ACE inhibitor or other ARB".

It has been predicted by Novartis in a remarkable move for the company that Entresto could achieve over $5 billion in yearly sales throughout the world and this will help it make one of the best-selling treatments.

David Epstein, head of Novartis's pharmaceutical division, said it is among those advancements that are achieved once in a decade; the drug is able to extend life to a large extent.

According to Novartis, Entresto will be costing nearly $12.50 a day, or nearly $4,500 for a year, when two tablets are taken every day.

Two drugs have been used in combination to develop Entresto; valsartan is one of those drugs. The company is selling the ingredient in the new drug as Diovan; however, it is now facing competition.