FDA Approves AstraZeneca's Heart-Failure Drug Atacand

AstraZeneca has received FDA approval for its angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) Atacand for the treatment of heart failure.

Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) is the first ARB to receive FDA approval for reducing both cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure, AstraZenenca said.

The recommended initial dose of Atacand for the treatment of heart failure is 4 mg once daily. The target dose is 32 mg once daily, which is achieved by doubling the dose at approximately two-week intervals, as tolerated by the patient.