Novartis reports positive clinical trial data for new acromegaly therapy

Novartis has announced positive data from a pivotal phase III trial of an investigational therapy for acromegaly, a debilitating growth hormone disorder.

The new drug Signifor LAR is a long-acting release therapy, which is intended for patients with acromegaly for whom current standard of care provides inadequate disease control.

Data from the phase III study suggested the pasireotide-based treatment delivered greater disease control when compared to continued treatment with the standard somatostatin analogue therapies, octreotide LAR or lanreotide Autogel.

Findings from this trial will be used to support future regulatory filings for the new drug. It is hoped that Signifor LAR will become a useful new treatment option for this rare endocrine disorder.

Alessandro Riva, interim president of Novartis Oncology and global head of oncology development and medical affairs, said: "As part of our longstanding commitment to transforming the care of rare pituitary diseases, we are working to bring this potentially meaningful solution to the acromegaly community."

Last week, the company also announced data from a phase IV trial of its approved therapy Onbrez Breezhaler, showing its positive performance in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.