Novartis reports positive data from Tasigna drug trial

Novartis has announced new six-year data from a new study showing the significant safety and efficacy benefits of its chronic myeloid leukaemia drug Tasigna.

Results from the phase III ENESTnd showed the newer therapy delivered higher rates of early, deep and sustained molecular responses in newly-diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia than Novartis' established therapy Glivec.

Tasigna was associated with fewer progressions to advanced disease, while its favourable benefit/risk profile was also confirmed.

Currently, the drug is approved in more than 110 countries for the treatment of chronic and accelerated-phase Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukaemia in adult patients resistant or intolerant to at least one prior therapy, and in more than 85 countries for newly-diagnosed patients.

Bruno Strigini, president of Novartis Oncology, said: "Through our ongoing research, we better understand today the role that early, deep and sustained molecular responses have on the outcomes of patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia."

Earlier this week, the company also reported global clinical trial data for its drug Jakavi, showing the benefits it can offer to myelofibrosis patients.