Novartis patch ‘a significant advance’ in Alzheimer’s therapy

Novartis has reported that its Exelon Patch (rivastigmine transdermal system) marks key progress in efforts to treat Alzheimer’s disease, with the patch offering an innovative means of treating patients with mild to moderate forms of the condition with a steady delivery of medicine over a 24-hour period.

The system is the first transdermal treatment for the disease to gain regulatory approval, with the Exelon Patch being endorsed by the US Food and Drug Administration. It was submitted to the European Union for review towards the end of last year.

Novartis reports that patients administered with the patch have exhibited a similar response to those receiving the highest doses of Exelon in capsule form, with an improved ability to execute everyday tasks and enhanced memory.

Furthermore, the patch formulation of the drug minimises adverse gastrointestinal effects while improving patient care management and providing visual reassurance of administration.

James Shannon, global head of development at Novartis Pharma, said: “Innovation isn’t just about developing new compounds, but also about meeting therapeutic needs by taking existing knowledge and applying it in new ways.”

He added that the Exelon Patch has addressed a key area of patient and caregiver need through the provision of a proven drug in a useful new formulation.

In September 2006, Novartis announced that rivastigmine could potentially be used as a treatment to improve the memory of patients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.