Cardiovascular outcome of an angiotensin II receptor blocker,candesartan, in Japan

Candesartan cilexetil, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), was discovered in Japan in 1982. By the end of 2009, five randomized prospective clinical trials had been conducted in Japan. Herein, we examine the similarities and differences in the results with ARB reported from abroad and Japan. Candesartan reduced blood pressure of hypertensive patients to <140/90 mmHg with an average dose of 8 mg/day. In addition, candesartan reduced the incidence of cardiovascular events in a high-risk Japanese group of patients. From the analysis of the data obtained, candesartan-based treatment for hypertensive patients with and/or without cardiovascular diseases was effective in the Japanese population, as well as in subjects in Western countries.