EU approves Glivec

Novartis has received EU approval for Glivec – a treatment used against rapidly progressive leukaemia.

As a result of the EU’s decision, Glivec can now be used in combination with chemotherapy with adult patents diagnosed with Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL). The drug functions by targeting abnormal proteins – tyrosine kinases – which “have an important role” within cancer cells.

The drug has also been authorised for use with patients with metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (a hard lump found in the skin which can progress to surrounding tissues) who are unable to have surgery.

Commenting on Glivec and the recent approval, David Epstein, president of Novartis Oncology, said: “Understanding the targets against which Glivec works has led to the unique opportunity to treat two rare diseases that have Glivec-sensitive pathways.

“These two new indications underscore how cancers and diseases of different origin and location share common molecular characteristics that can often respond to the same targeted treatment.”

Novartis, which was originally formed in 1996 and describes itself as a “world leader” in providing medicines that “protect health” and combat disease, states that Glivec has now been approved in over 90 countries across the globe.