Novartis moves ahead with cancer treatment trials

Following the success of its phase II trials, Novartis has announced this week that it will proceed with further research of its ASA404 novel cancer agent.

The phase III trial will again focus on lung cancer trials following a second phase which successfully combined ASA404 with chemotherapy treatments that resulted in improved survival rates on the use of chemotherapy alone.

ASA404 uses a Tumour-Vascular Disrupting Agent that targets tumours by selectively causing the collapse of their blood supply. It is thought that this approach can lead to extensive tumour cell death.

Alessandro Riva, Novartis Oncology’s executive vice-president and global head of development, said that the positive results of recent tests could be valuable in the future.

“We look forward to exploring the unique mechanism of action of ASA404 in non-small cell lung cancer to potentially help the more than one million people who develop lung cancer each year,” he said.

Earlier this month, Novartis built upon its existing healthcare portfolio by acquiring a 25 per cent stake in Alcon eye care.