Novartis wins UK research and development award

Novartis has been handed an award for the development of Xolair, its asthma treatment.

The company was awarded the Prix Galien in the UK to recognise the contribution made to improving patient care in the UK through the development of Xolair, a “first-in-class” antibody treatment that target the antibody IgE, identified as a major cause of “allergic inflammatory cascade”.

GlaxoSmithKline’s Rotarix, the rotavirus vaccine, was a joint recipient of the accolade, as was Myozyme, a treatment for Pompe disease developed by Genzyme.

James Shannon, global head of development at Novartis Pharma, remarked: “This award not only recognises the innovation that led to the creation of Xolair, but also the tremendous benefits that it offers to severe allergic asthma patients who are at high risk of potentially life-threatening asthma attacks.”

He added that the company was “delighted” to be recognised for its contribution in treating asthma.

Xolair was developed under an agreement between Novartis, Genentech and Tanox.

Novartis, a Swiss pharmaceutical company, claims to have been awarded 21 national Galien Prizes in several European countries for drugs including Rimactan and Zometa.

The UK Prix Galien award is judged by a panel of experts including Professor Sir Michael Rawlins, chairman of NICE, and Professor Parveen Kumar, president of the British Medical Association.

Novartis was awarded the UK Prix Galien in 2002 for Glivec, the chronic myeloid leukaemia therapy. Roche’s Herceptin was the other recipient.