Effect of Fixed-Dose Combination of Efonidipine + S(-) Metoprolol in Indian Hypertensive Patients

Aim: To evaluate the antihypertensive efficacy and safety of the fixed-dose combination (FDC) of Efonidipine and S (-) Metoprolol in adult patients with hypertension. 
Study Design: Multicentric, double-blind, randomized, parallel, comparative Phase III trial. 
Methodology: This clinical trial was conducted at five geographically distributed sites across India and enrolled 240 hypertensive patients. They were randomized (1:1) to receive either FDC of Efonidipine 40 mg + S (-) Metoprolol 25 mg tablet (E+S(-)M group) or FDC of Cilnidipine 10 mg + Metoprolol 50 mg tablet (C+M group) once daily for 90 days. Patients were evaluated for changes in their blood pressure (BP) from baseline to Day 30, 60 and 90. The study site staff, investigator and patients were blinded to the treatment allocation. Blood pressure was recorded as the mean of 3 consecutive measurements taken in a sitting position. Patients achieving target BP (<140/90 mmHg) were evaluated and the safety and tolerability were assessed based on the incidences of adverse events (AEs). 
Results: This study focused on evaluating the mean Systolic BP (SBP) and Diastolic BP (DBP) reduction from baseline to Day 30, 60 and 90. At baseline, patients had a mean (±SD) SBP and DBP of 154.60 (±11.33) mmHg and 98.68 (±8.18) mmHg respectively. After 30 days of the E+S(-)M treatment, the mean SBP/DBP was 136.06±10.55/ 86.68±5.51 mmHg (p<0.0001) and on Day 60 it was 129.48±10.51/ 84.17±5.51mmHg (P <0.0001), corresponding to mean reductions in SBP/DBP of 18.09/11.66 and 24.78/14.17 mmHg, respectively. There was a statistically significant (p <0.0001) reduction to 123.59 ± 15.21 mmHg in SBP and 82.38 ± 5.05 mmHg in DBP observed on Day 90 as compared to baseline. Post-treatment with E+S(-)M group, SBP/DBP reduction of 31.01/16.29 mmHg in hypertensive patients was observed. A total of 95% of the patients achieved a pre-defined target BP <140/90 mmHg on the administration of E+S(-)M. Furthermore, it was observed that 93% of Stage I and 96% of Stage II hypertensive patients achieved the target BP goal. A total of 5.78% of patients experienced adverse events (AEs) in the E+S(-)M group which was similar to that of C+M group. All AEs were mild in severity and resolved without any sequelae at the end of the study. No unexpected adverse events were reported, and the E+S(-)M dosage regimen was well tolerated by the patients. Both the treatment groups were non-inferior to each other. 
Conclusion: The study results demonstrated clinically meaningful reductions in blood pressure after administration of FDC of Efonidipine 40 mg + S(-) Metoprolol 25 mg over a period of 90 days. The treatment was efficacious, safe, and well‑tolerated in the study population.