Novartis reports new chronic immune thrombocytopenia for Revolade

Novartis has announced new clinical trial data showing the effectiveness of its drug Revolade in the treatment of a rare blood disorder.

The EXTEND trial was the largest study of its kind, and confirmed the long-term safety profile of Revolade in adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenia, with data for up to six years in some patients.

Additional results from the study showed that long-term oral administration of Revolade was effective in increasing and maintaining platelet counts in adult patients who had their spleens removed as well as those who did not.

The long-term safety findings for Revolade from this trial were shown to be consistent with the findings from the previous pivotal phase III RAISE study.

Dr Alessandro Riva, global head of Novartis' oncology development and medical affairs business, said: "EXTEND is the largest study of its kind and reinforces Revolade as a trusted option that adults with chronic ITP can use for the long term."

This comes after the firm last week announced clinical trial results showing the benefits that a combination of Tafinlar and Mekinist can provide in the treatment of advanced melanoma.