Novartis receives CHMP backing for gouty arthritis therapy

Novartis has been granted a recommendation from Europe's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) for approval of a promising new treatment for acute gouty arthritis.

The European Medicines Agency committee has given a positive opinion on the potential approval of Ilaris, which is intended for use among patients who suffer from frequent attacks and whose symptoms cannot or should not be managed with current treatment options.

It is the only approved fully human monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-1 beta in order to inhibit inflammation and has demonstrated its safety and efficacy in two phase III trials and their extensions.

This is a potentially important development for gout sufferers, as current therapies do not offer relief for many patient groups, especially those with serious comorbidities during severe and crippling attacks.

David Epstein, division head of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said: "When approved, Ilaris will provide a new treatment option for patients who have endured frequent and crippling gouty arthritis attacks and where existing therapies do not offer relief."

This comes after the firm also received a CHMP recommendation earlier this week for Jetrea, a vitreomacular traction therapy developed by its subsidiary Alcon.