Novartis reports ‘important advance’ with Tasigna

Novartis has reported that its drug Tasigna (nilotinib) represents a vital development in the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia who have exhibited intolerance or resistance to other drugs.

Tasigna is administered twice a day and operates by targeting the production of the Bcr-Abl protein in order to inhibit the growth of cells containing the abnormal Philadelphia chromosome.

In clinical trials, administration of the compound resulted in a response in 40 per cent of patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia showing such resistance or intolerance to compounds including Glivec (imatinib).

The compound has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will be launched across the country in the coming days.

David Epstein, president and chief executive officer of Novartis Oncology, said: “Tasigna represents an important advance for the small number of patients who are resistant or intolerant to prior therapy.”

He added that FDA approval provides doctors with a comprehensive approach to treat patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia.

In July 2007, Novarits announced the first global approval of Tasigna, with the drug approved in Switzerland after an accelerated review of the compound by local health authorities following the publication of positive phase II clinical study results.