Novartis receives CHMP recommendation for Ilaris approval

Novartis has announced that Europe's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended its drug Ilaris for approval in a new indication.

The European Medicines Agency Committee has endorsed the product for use in the treatment of active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) in patients aged two years and older, based on positive data from phase III trials.

SJIA is a rare and disabling form of childhood arthritis – characterised by spiking fever, rashes and arthritis – for which there are currently very few treatment options.

Ilaris is the first interleukin-1 beta inhibitor to receive a positive CHMP opinion for the treatment of this condition and would become the only available therapy that is given as a monthly subcutaneous injection.

Dr Timothy Wright, global head of development for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said: "If approved, Ilaris would provide a new treatment option for patients whose choice of therapy has, to date, been very limited."

This comes after the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ruled that Novartis' severe allergic asthma therapy Xolair should receive NHS funding earlier this month.