Novartis to showcase MS portfolio at AAN 2013

Novartis has announced that it will be presenting new clinical data on a number of its multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) annual meeting in San Diego.

During the conference, the company will showcase clinical trial information and real-world experiences with Gilenya (fingolimod), the first once-daily oral therapy approved to treat people with relapsing MS.

Data from three large phase III trials will highlight the efficacy of Gilenya in reducing the rate of brain volume loss, while additional results will underline its high efficacy and well-characterised and manageable safety profile.

The manufacturer will also share information from a phase III study of BAF312, an investigational agent for the treatment of secondary-progressive MS.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals' global head of development Dr Timothy Wright said the results "show that we are making real progress in our commitment to address unmet medical need in MS and to provide a treatment at every stage of the disease".

Last week, the company announced that its innovative drug Ilaris has been granted European regulatory approval for use among gouty arthritis patients.