Novartis reports positive recommendation of Exelon skin patch

Novartis has announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has granted a positive opinion for Exelon (rivastigmine transdermal patch) as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

Offering patients uninterrupted and even delivery of the compound over a 24-hour period, administration of the Exelon patch results in a similar efficacy to the highest dosage of capsules in enhancing memory and the ability to undertake everyday tasks.

The Exelon transdermal patch also reduced the gastrointestinal side effects resulting for oral administration of the compound, while providing healthcare workers with visual evidence of patient compliance with the medication.

James Shannon, global head of development at Novartis Pharma, said: “The positive recommendation in Europe, coming so soon after the US approval, highlights the tremendous importance of Exelon patch as an innovative way of delivering a proven medicine.”

He added that the visual reassurance of patient compliance offered by the patch can assist with everyday efforts of those taking care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

Earlier this month, Novartis reported that the Exelon patch represents vital progress in the development of treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

The company noted that innovation in pharmaceuticals goes beyond the discovery of novel compounds and towards the meeting of patient needs through the development of existing drugs, the introduction of a new formulation of Exelon being one such example.