Efficacy and Safety of Aliskiren and Valsartan Versus Placebo in Patients Stabilized Following an Acute Coronary Syndrome

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female outpatients 18 years old or older

• Subjects who are hospitalized for ischemic chest discomfort at rest lasting at least 10 minutes and consistent with cardiac ischemia

• Final diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome

• Elevated concentrations of natriuretic peptide 3-10 days after admission for theirqualifying acute coronary syndrome event

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known or suspected contraindications, including history of allergy or hypersensitivityto angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), renin antagonists, or to drugs with similarchemical structures.

• Presence of clinically overt heart failure

• Known evidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction

• Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) less than 24 hours before randomization.

• Patients on chronic ACEI or ARB therapy for whom therapy with an ACEI or ARB isclinically required with no reasonable alternative therapy available. Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria applied to the study.