Novartis’ Afinitor shows efficacy in treating tuberous sclerosis complex

Novartis has announced new clinical trial data showing the strong performance of its drug Afinitor in treating tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Results from the phase III EXIST-3 study have shown that Afinitor, when used as an adjunctive therapy, can significantly reduce treatment-resistant seizures associated with TSC compared to placebo.

Patients in all treatment arms were also taking one to three antiepileptic drugs to control their seizures, which are the most common neurological condition related to TSC. Currently, around 60 percent of patients are not able to attain seizure control with available therapies.

TSC is a rare genetic disorder affecting up to one million people worldwide. Afinitor is the only approved nonsurgical option indicated for treating non-cancerous brain and kidney tumours in TSC patients, as well as being the first adjunctive therapy to achieve clinically significant seizure control in these patients.

Dr Alessandro Riva, global head of oncology development and medical affairs at Novartis, said: "Over the past decade, Novartis has remained committed to the TSC community, improving care for patients and conducting research we hope will bring us closer to addressing some of the most debilitating TSC manifestations."