Efficacy and Safety of LCZ696 Compared to Valsartan on Cognitive Function in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction

The Screening epoch of approximately 3 weeks was used to assess eligibility. Eligible patients then entered the single-blind treatment run-in epoch (Active Run-In Epoch), which was designed to assess patient's tolerability to study drug and to determine patients who were likely to stay on study drug for the duration of the trial. The treatment run-in consisted of valsartan 40 mg bid (if necessary), followed by valsartan 80 mg bid, and then followed by LCZ696 100 mg bid, over 3 to 8 weeks duration. Patients unable to tolerate either valsartan or LCZ696 at the prescribed doses during the treatment run-in were not eligible for randomization and were discontinued from the study. At randomization (Visit 199/201), eligible patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either LCZ696 200 mg bid or valsartan 160 mg bid (double-blind period). Patients who terminated the study early were expected, and were encouraged, to attend all the protocol specified study visits, to perform all measurements as stipulated in the visit schedule and to remain in follow up for the duration of the trial.