FDA Approves Candesartan Cilexetil for the Treatment of Heart Failure

Takeda Pharmaceutical has received FDA approval for its angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) candesartan cilexetil for the treatment of heart failure (New York Heart Association Class II-IV and ejection fraction less than or equal to 40 percent) to reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular causes and reduce hospitalizations from heart failure.

Candesartan, which is sold as Atacand by AstraZeneca in the U.S., is the first ARB in the U.S. to receive an indication for reducing both cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure, Takeda said. The company received a similar approval in the European Union in November 2004.