Novartis reports positive trial data for COPD drug QVA149

Novartis has published positive new clinical trial data that demonstrates the efficacy of its new chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment QVA149.

Results from the phase III study Spark showed that the drug met its primary endpoint of a reduced rate of moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbations compared with Novartis' established product Seebri Breezhaler.

It means that the first five studies of the Ignite phase III trial programme for QVA149 have all met their primary endpoints of efficacy, safety, exercise endurance and reduction of exacerbations.

Spark is the final study intended to support regulatory filings of the drug in Europe and Japan, which are now expected in the final quarter of 2012.

Tim Wright, head of development at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said approval of the treatment "will bring us another step closer to providing a full range of innovative COPD medicines to help physicians select the right treatment for the right patient at the right time".

Earlier this week, the company received European regulatory approval of Jakavi, its new treatment for the deadly blood cancer myelofibrosis.