Novartis reports positive findings from Cushing’s disease drug trial

Novartis has published encouraging data from a clinical trial of a potentially groundbreaking new treatment for the hormone disorder Cushing's disease.

Results from a recent phase III clinical study have shown that Novartis' investigational compound SOM230 can help to deliver reductions in urinary-free cortisol levels among patients.

It represents the first treatment to demonstrate efficacy in a phase III trial against Cushing's disease, a condition caused by benign pituitary tumours which stimulate excess cortisol production, leading to potentially fatal cardiovascular and metabolic problems.

Data from this study, which is the largest randomised Cushing's disease trial ever conducted, will now support Novartis' applications for regulatory approval of the drug, which are planned for later this year.

Herve Hoppenot, president of Novartis Oncology, said: "Positive results from this trial bring us one step closer to providing physicians with a new treatment option to offer people living with the physically and emotionally debilitating symptoms associated with Cushing's disease."

Earlier this week, the company published data from a phase III study of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment Onbrez Breezhaler, demonstrating its benefits compared to salmeterol.