$40-million investment launches international hypertension study

A major international study of 11,000 elderly persons with high blood pressure
(hypertension) will be led and managed by the Population Health Research Institute
(PHRI) of McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, thanks to a $40-million
investment in Ontario by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.

The study, APOLLO (Aliskiren Prevention of Later Life Outcomes) is one of the largest
ever to be conducted out of Canada. It is being led by Dr. Salim Yusuf, executive
director of the PHRI and a professor of medicine at McMaster.

The APOLLO study will follow patients in 20 countries over five years to determine the
long-term benefits of aliskiren, the first of a unique new class of blood-pressure-
lowering agents called renin inhibitors. Aliskiren is marketed by Novartis as Rasilez.

Specifically, the study will evaluate whether lowering blood pressure with aliskiren and
other drugs will reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks,
strokes or heart failure in elderly patients. A novel aspect of the study is an assessment
of functional ability and if participants can continue to carry out the various complex
tasks associated with independent and productive living.

A $1-million investment from the provincial government is helping support facilities for
the project, which has a total global budget of more than $100 million.

“The PHRI is a world leader in conducting cutting-edge research into the prevention of
heart disease and stroke,” said Yusuf, the chief scientific officer and vice-president of
research at Hamilton Health Sciences. “We are delighted to work on this exciting
opportunity with Novartis on this major study. The findings from APOLLO have major
potential to improve the health and well-being of the elderly in all parts of the world.”

“We're supporting innovation to strengthen our healthcare system, create new jobs, and
move our economy forward,” said Glen Murray, minister of research and innovation, who
attended the study launch announcement and announced the government's investment.
“The McGuinty government is ensuring that Ontario's world-class researchers have the
tools they need to make new discoveries and attract new investment.”

Added Dr. John G. Kelton, dean and vice-president, Faculty of Health Sciences at
McMaster: “The APOLLO study is an important next step for Dr. Yusuf and his team who
are well-known for large, international medical research studies that make a difference
in people's lives.”

The study is expected to be completed by mid-2017.