Novartis reports positive data from Tasigna trials

Novartis has announced positive data from a pair of phase III trials comparing its new chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) therapy Tasigna to the older Glivec.

Results from the studies showed that Philadelphia chromosome-positive CML patients achieved significantly deeper molecular response with Tasigna, both among newly-diagnosed subjects and those with residual disease who switched from Glivec.

The data suggested a correlation between early molecular response at three and six months and survival outcomes for newly-diagnosed patients, thus underlining Tasigna's benefits as a frontline therapy.

Novartis now hopes to carry out trials to assess whether some patients may be able to safely stop therapy after achieving a sustained and deep molecular response.

Herve Hoppenot, president of Novartis Oncology, said: "Our dedication to ongoing research in CML over the past decades has helped to transform the disease from a fatal diagnosis to a chronic condition."

A report from the National Cancer Intelligence Network this week showed that the availability of tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as Glivec and its successors has greatly improved CML survival rates in the UK.