Valsartan, an orally active angiotensin II receptor blocker, is registered in most countries worldwide for the treatment of hypertension. In China the usual recommended starting and maintenance dose is 80 mg o.d. The combination of HCTZ 12.5 mg with valsartan 80 mg has been shown to have additive effects in lowering blood pressure compared to valsartan 80 mg in patients not adequately controlled by valsartan 80 mg monotherapy5 or in non-selected patients6. This fixed combination is registered in most countries worldwide.