Press Releases
March 13, 2009
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Launch of ECARD® LD and ECARD® HD in Japan
– Fixed dose combination tablet of Blopress® and diuretic for treatment of hypertension –
Osaka, Japan March 13 2009 – Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited ("Takeda") today announced that on March 13 it launched ECARD, a fixed dose combination tablet of Blopress (generic name: candesartan cilexetil) and a low-dose diuretic (generic name: hydrochlorothiazide) for treatment of hypertension.
ECARD is a fixed dose combination tablet of an ARB and a diuretic, a low-dose concomitant therapy which is recommended by the Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension in Japan. By reducing the hydrochlorothiazide dose to 6.25mg, which is a quarter of the ordinary clinical dosage, it is believed that commonly-experienced adverse events of thiazide diuretics can be lessened. An enhancement in anti hypertensive effect was also demonstrated in the phase 3 clinical trial.
“The strengths of ECARD were decided through intensive study of seeking the appropriate dosage in view of both efficacy and safety for Japanese patients with hypertension,” said Yasuhiko Yamanaka, General Manager of Pharmaceutical Marketing Division of Takeda. “We will vigorously provide medical professionals with scientific information of ECARD, as well as Blopress that is well supported by clinical evidences with Japanese, so that both products can contribute to reduce blood pressure.”
About ECARD LD and ECARD HD
| Brand Name | ECARD® LD (candesartan cilexetil 4mg / hydrochlorothiazide 6.25mg) ECARD® HD (candesartan cilexetil 8mg / hydrochlorothiazide 6.25mg) |
| Indications | Hypertension |
| Posology | The usual dosage in adults is 4mg/6.25mg or 8mg/6.25mg of candesartan cilexetil / hydrochlorothiazide to be taken orally once a day. This product is not available as a first-line treatment for hypertension. |
| Product registration | Approved on January 21, 2009 |
| NHI Price | ECARD® LD : 84.90 YEN ECARD® HD : 163.70YEN (The prices include tax and were listed on March 13, 2009.) |
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