Novartis’ childhood arthritis treatment shows efficacy

Novartis has published new clinical data demonstrating the benefits provided by its investigational compound ACZ885 in the treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

In a phase III study, it was shown that 62 percent of patients treated with the IL-1 beta inhibitor had inactive disease status at the end of the placebo-controlled period, thus meeting the primary efficacy endpoint of the trial.

This will help to support the company's efforts to submit the drug for regulatory review in this specification later this year.

Meanwhile, data from a phase II trial of ACZ885 were also published this week, showcasing the efficacy of the drug among tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome patients.

John Hohneker, head of development for integrated hospital care for the pharmaceuticals division of Novartis, said: "We are committed to investigating new treatments that can address the existing unmet medical need in immune-mediated diseases, no matter how rare some of these conditions may be."

Last month, the company reported positive results from a phase III study of its chronic obstructive pulmonary disease drug NVA237.