ONgoing Telmisartan Alone and in combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial (ONTARGET) results was recently presented at the 57th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology in Chicago.
This largest ARB trial, which involves several countries around the world, including the Philippines, proved that telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) provides similar protection as ramipril in decreasing the risk of heart deaths, heart attack, stroke and hospitalization for heart failure.
Moreover, the drug has shown better tolerability in patients with high-risk of cardiovascular disease.
The study results showed that every fifth serious cardiovascular event in a high-risk group of patients can be prevented.
According to Professor Salim Yusuf, lead investigator of the ONTARGET trial and director of the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, ONTARGET results have important implications for the management of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
“We now have a new treatment option for high-risk patients which is effective and better tolerated,” Yusuf said.
In the ONTARGET data, it was seen that telmisartan is associated with higher treatment compliance than ramipril.
Aside from efficacy and tolerability, compliance is considered a vital factor to patients for it is crucial in providing effective long-term treatment for the prevention of serious heart diseases.
The ONTARGET trial studied the importance of combining telmisartan with ramipril, aside from comparing the two.
The results indicated that there is no additional protective benefit achieved if ramipril and telmisartan are combined.
Likewise, the study revealed that telmisartan is the only ARB with cardio and vascular protective benefits beyond blood pressure lowering in high-risk population.
“We are proud to say that the Philippines was part of this study, which will help us manage our patients better,” said Prof. Antonio Dans, chief of the Adult and Medical Research Unit and chairman of the Medical Research Council of the Philippine General Hospital and ONTARGET’s Steering Committee member and national coordinator for the Philippines.
Telmisartan was discovered and developed by Boehringer Ingelheim. In the Philippines, the product is marketed in cooperation with GlaxoSmithKline.
Patients with hypertension should consult their doctors on the therapy suitable for them.