Novartis reports positive data from polycythaemia vera drug trial

Novartis has announced the publication of clinical data showing how its drug Jakavi can be effective in the treatment of a rare form of blood cancer.

Phase III study results have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine showing that treatment with Jakavi resulted in durable haematocrit control, spleen size reduction and symptom relief for patients with uncontrolled polycythaemia vera.

These are considered to be key measures of a patient's response to therapy among sufferers of this condition, which is associated with serious cardiovascular complications, such as stroke and heart attack.

The therapy has already been recommended by the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for approval in the treatment of polycythaemia vera cases that are resistant to or intolerant of hydroxyurea.

Dr Alessandro Riva, global head of Novartis' oncology development and medical affairs unit, said: "We are working diligently with regulatory authorities to bring ruxolitinib to patients with polycythaemia vera who may benefit from this treatment."

This comes after the firm reported data from another study last December demonstrating Jakavi's safety and efficacy in the treatment of myelofibrosis.