Antiproteinuric Effect of Valsartan and Lisinopril

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male or female outpatients aged 18-70 years, 2. Chronic nephropathy, as defined by a serum creatinine concentration of \> 3 mg/dL or calculated glomerular filtration rate of \> 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. 3. Persistent proteinuria, as defined by urinary protein excretion exceeding 1g/24 h. (for a minimum of three months ). 4. Normotensive and hypertensive patients not adequately controlled with or without treatment (controlled: \<125/75 mmHg). 5. Written informed consent to participate in the study prior to any study procedures. Exclusion Criteria * Immediate need for renal replacement therapy. * Treatment resistant oedema. * Need for treatment with corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or immunosuppressive drugs. * Proteinuria greater than 10g /24h and/or hypoalbuminaemia less than 28g/L. * Renovascular hypertension * Malignant hypertension * MI, cerebrovascular accident within last year, severe peripheral vascular disease, CHF, chronic hepatic disease. * Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptors blockers within one month prior to randomization. * A serum creatinine concentration \>265 ümol/L Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply.