Novartis’ childhood arthritis drug ACZ885 shows efficacy

Novartis has reported new clinical data that supports the safety and efficacy profile of its new therapy for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA).

ACZ885 has been evaluated in a placebo-controlled study to assess the benefits of the fully human monoclonal antibody in combating this rare and serious form of childhood auto-inflammatory disease.

It was found that Novartis' drug was able to offer a significantly better performance in minimising or eliminating symptoms of the condition compared to placebo, thus offering quality of life improvement benefits.

Results from a second pivotal phase III study will be presented later this year, with Novartis hoping to make worldwide regulatory submissions for the drug as an SJIA therapy in 2012.

David Epstein, head of the pharmaceuticals division of Novartis, said: "These results are a positive development for patients suffering from this very severe auto-inflammatory condition."

Earlier this month, the company was granted European regulatory approval for Votubia, an innovative new therapy for subependymal giant cell astrocytoma associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.