Novartis prepares to present data on new cancer drugs

Novartis will have an opportunity to boost its standing in the oncology field when it reveals data on two new cancer drugs this month.

Attendees at major medical conferences in the US will see the Swiss-based company unveil fresh data on Tasigna, its treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia, Reuters reports.

Novartis is due to outline how the new drug compares with Glivec, its established blood cancer treatment, in slowing disease progression over 24 months.

It is also expected to publish the first randomised clinical findings on Afinitor, a new treatment for breast cancer patients.

Helvea analyst Karl-Heinz Koch told the news agency that Novartis has "a lot of offer" in the development of specialist cancer drugs.

"There's a broad research programme underway and they're covering most of the bases in research and development in oncology," he commented.

Novartis will make presentations at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting and the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

Last month, the company said it intends to establish the most productive research and development program in the industry as part of its long-term growth strategy.