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 2001 was another strong year for Cozaar/Hyzaar. Together, these medicines are the global leader in the angiotensin II antagonist (AIIA) class of antihypertensive drugs, with 2001 sales of $1.9 billion; they already rank No. 2 among all branded medicines prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure. This bodes well for the future, given that AIIAs provide most of the impetus for growth in the global antihypertension market. Physicians have prescribed Cozaar and Hyzaar for 12 million patients since their launch in 1995.
This performance featured the 47 percent growth of Cozaar/Hyzaar in the important Japanese market (where it is known as Nu-lotan); a sustained marketing success in Europe; and strong growth in the United States, despite a tough competitive market. All this helped increase sales by 11 percent over 2000.
During 2001, we maintained a focus on communicating the proven once-daily blood pressure lowering efficacy as well as tolerability of Cozaar and Hyzaar.
RENAAL may open new markets
Our clinical scientists also completed two key studies this year: one focusing on the use of Cozaar in treating high blood pressure in children and a second, called RENAAL, in which Cozaar delayed the progression of kidney disease in patients with Type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. We have submitted the results of both studies to regulatory agencies worldwide, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for potential inclusion in the prescribing information for Cozaar.
Some 185 million people in the developed world suffer from hypertension. By 2008, that number will be 200 million. At present, only 55 percent of these people are being treated with any medicine and, of those being treated, many have not reached appropriate blood pressure goals.
Additional important outcomes studies with Cozaar and Hyzaar are ongoing. In 2002, results are expected from large studies examining the potential survival benefits for patients taking Cozaar who suffer from hypertension with associated end organ damage and for patients taking Cozaar following a heart attack. In addition, Merck expects results from a study in which Hyzaar is being evaluated for use in a special population of patients with severe hypertension.
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2001 was another strong year for Cozaar/Hyzaar. Together, these medicines are the global leader in the angiotensin II antagonist (AIIA) class of antihypertensive drugs, with 2001 sales of $1.9 billion; they already rank No. 2 among all branded medicines prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure. This bodes well for the future, given that AIIAs provide most of the impetus for growth in the global antihypertension market. Physicians have prescribed Cozaar and Hyzaar for 12 million patients since their launch in 1995.