Novartis reports positive trial data for skin disease therapy

Novartis has announced positive data from a phase III trial of omalizumab, a new treatment for severe forms of the skin disorder chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).

Data from the Glacial trial showed that Novartis' drug was effective, safe and well tolerated in refractory CSU patients, including those on antihistamines at up to four times the approved dose.

Omalizumab was thus able to meet all primary and secondary endpoints in the study, which was the second of three pivotal phase III trials assessing the drug ahead of its planned regulatory submissions later this year.

CSU is a chronic and debilitating form of hives that can severely affect patients' quality of life and for which there are currently few available therapy options.

Tim Wright, global head of development at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said: "Novartis is committed to doing all we can for these patients by working to develop an important advance in CSU treatment, where unmet medical need remains high."

Earlier this month, the company announced positive phase III trial data showing the benefits that its product Jakavi can deliver for myelofibrosis sufferers.