The action was based on the recommendation of the independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC), after it found an increased risk for non-fatal stroke, renal complications, hyperkalemia, and hypotension in patients taking aliskiren after 18-24 months.

FORBES: ALTITUDE Study of Aliskiren Terminated Early by Novartis

The report was based on data collected by the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System, (NARMS) a project sponsored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FORBES: Are You Eating 'Superbugs'? The FDA Responds To Allegations Of Antibiotic Resistance On Meat

This was the recommendation of the independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) based on its 5th unblinded review of all study safety data.

FORBES: BioSante's Pollyannish Press Release