The Clinical Research Unit of the University of Kelaniya’s Faculty of Medicine has developed a groundbreaking drug that can effectively control high blood pressure.

Director of the unit, Professor Asitha de Silva, said the new medication combines three widely used drugs into a single tablet, allowing patients to take just one pill a day. 

Clinical trials showed the drug successfully controlled blood pressure in 88% of patients.

Approved by the U.S. FDA in June and added to the WHO’s Essential Medicines List in September, the drug is expected to reduce the risk of stroke by up to 60%. 

Professor de Silva said the project was the result of nearly a decade of research.