Novartis acromegaly treatment shows benefits in phase III trial

Novartis has published clinical data from a study that demonstrates the efficacy benefits of its new acromegaly treatment pasireotide LAR (long-acting release).

The company has concluded the largest ever phase III study of acromegaly patients, revealing that Novartis' new treatment was significantly more effective at inducing full biochemical control compared to the current standard of care.

Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disorder caused by excess growth hormone and can result in enlarged hands, feet and internal organs, which in turn can lead to a heightened risk of death.

Currently approved therapies are only able to achieve full disease control in a minority of patients, meaning new treatment options are vital.

Herve Hoppenot, president of Novartis Oncology, said: "These findings are welcome news as we continue our research efforts to discover treatments for patients with pituitary-related conditions."

Last month, the company's new drug Signifor became the first therapy for Cushing's disease to be ratified in Europe.