Novartis reports positive phase III data for myelofibrosis drug

Novartis has announced positive data from a pair of new phase III clinical trials which support the safety and efficacy of its investigational myelofibrosis drug INC424.

Results from the two studies showed that the investigational Janus kinase inhibitor was able to significantly reduce disease burden among patients affected by the uncommon and life-threatening blood cancer.

In addition, trial subjects experienced significant improvements in terms of quality of life measures, functioning and symptoms such as appetite loss, dyspnea, fatigue, insomnia and pain.

Data from these trials has been used to support the company's worldwide regulatory filings for the drug, with responses from the relevant authorities expected in the second half of 2012.

Herve Hoppenot, president of Novartis Oncology, said: "We are getting closer to achieving our goal of bringing innovative, pathway-based compounds to patients with myelofibrosis."

This comes after the company was granted European regulatory approval for an expanded indication of its cancer therapy Glivec last week.