Novartis diabetes treatment shows efficacy in new trial

Novartis has published results from a new clinical trial which demonstrate the effectiveness of its drug valsartan in treating diabetes among certain at-risk patients.

Data from the Navigator trial showed that patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors and impaired glucose tolerance were able to delay progression of type 2 diabetes through use of the drug.

The trial was initiated in 2001 and involved more than 9,000 test subjects, with Novartis identifying it as a potential landmark study.

Dr Trevor Mundel, global head of development at Novartis Pharma, expressed satisfaction with the contribution the trial has made to the body of scientific information on valsartan.

He added: “As a global leader in cardiovascular and metabolic health, Novartis is committed to advancing public health and policy pertaining to diabetes.”

Last month, the company was granted priority review status by the Food and Drug Administration for Gilenia, which could become the first approved oral treatment for multiple sclerosis.