April 11, 2008
Study shows once-yearly Aclasta® better than risedronate at increasing bone mass in patients with osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoids
- Glucocorticoids, commonly known as steroids, widely used to treat inflammatory conditions but can increase risk of osteoporotic fractures with up to 50% of patients on long-term therapy at risk[1],[2]
- Study of more than 800 men and women shows higher bone mineral density with Aclasta than risedronate, a current established therapy[3]
- Regulatory approval sought for treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in EU and US
April 11, 2008
ASA404, a novel cancer agent, begins pivotal trial to explore new approach in treating lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death
- With launch of Phase III ATTRACT-1 trial in non-small cell lung cancer, Novartis Oncology assumes responsibility for development of ASA404 from Antisoma
- Novel mechanism of action of ASA404 disrupts existing blood supply to tumors
- Tumor-Vascular Disrupting Agent is one of six Novartis Oncology compounds in late-stage development for various solid tumors and blood cancers
April 08, 2008
ACZ885, a new biological drug in development, shows potential in treating serious life-long autoinflammatory diseases
- Patients with inherited autoinflammatory conditions achieved long-lasting remission after treatment with ACZ885[1,2]
- Human monoclonal antibody ACZ885 blocks interleukin 1ß, a key chemical messenger that causes inflammation and tissue destruction
- Autoinflammatory diseases produce symptoms such as fever, joint pain and skin rash and can lead to severe complications
- ACZ885 also being investigated for rheumatoid arthritis using innovative personalized approach to treatment
April 07, 2008
Novartis to further strengthen its healthcare portfolio by acquiring 25% stake in Alcon from Nestlé with right to take over majority ownership of the world leader in eye care
Definitive agreement with Nestlé S.A. provides Novartis the right to acquire 77% majority ownership of Alcon in two steps
- Novartis to first acquire 25% stake from Nestlé for USD 143.18 per share for approximately USD 11 billion, closing expected in second half of 2008
- In optional second step, Novartis has exclusive right to acquire Nestlé's remaining 52% stake for a fixed price of USD 181 per share, totaling about USD 28 billion; Nestlé has right to require Novartis to buy this stake
Alcon the world leader in eye care with its pharmaceutical, surgical and consumer eye care products, and a highly-rated development pipeline
- Eye care market growing dynamically, driven by increase in age-related eye diseases, global expansion and novel therapies
- Strong strategic fit with complementary Novartis contact lens and ophtha pharmaceutical businesses; synergies expected to be realized in due time
March 31, 2008
Rasilez®* , the first-in-class direct renin inhibitor, reduces left ventricular hypertrophy, a powerful predictor of heart disease
- New ALLAY study shows Rasilez alone reduced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) as effectively as current standard treatment[1]
- LVH occurs in nearly a third of high blood pressure patients[2] and doubles risk of premature cardiovascular events or death
- ALLAY is the latest in a series of studies to show potential of Rasilez in protecting against heart and kidney disease[3],[4]
- Approved in more than 40 countries, Rasilez provides strong blood pressure reductions that last beyond 24 hours[5]
March 12, 2008
Sandoz enhances patient access with launch of Omnitrope(TM) Pen 5 with liquid cartridge
- New delivery system enables patient convenience
- Priced 35% below the originator product, furthering patient access to Omnitrope, first follow-on version of a recombinant biotechnology drug
March 10, 2008
Femara® helps protect against return of breast cancer even when treatment starts several years after completing tamoxifen therapy
- Post-unblinding analysis of MA-17 trial data provides evidence for potential benefit of starting Femara up to seven years after finishing tamoxifen
- Femara only member of aromatase inhibitor class with data demonstrating this potential benefit, as published in Journal of Clinical Oncology
- Half of all breast cancer recurrences occur five or more years after diagnosis
- Separate analysis published in Annals of Oncology affirms significant advantages of Femara when taken after standard tamoxifen therapy
February 28, 2008
Everolimus (RAD001) significantly extends progression-free survival in advanced kidney cancer patients after failure of other targeted therapy
- Outstanding interim results cause independent data monitoring committee to immediately share findings; patients on placebo to be offered everolimus
- Everolimus (RAD001) tablet, taken once daily, demonstrated highly effective anti-tumor activity through continuous targeted inhibition of mTOR
- Results of RECORD-1 trial address unmet medical need in renal cell cancer with worldwide regulatory filings planned for second half of 2008
- Complete results to be submitted as late-breaking abstract for presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting
February 26, 2008
Novartis shareholders approve all resolutions at 2008 Annual General Meeting, including 19% dividend increase
- Shareholders approve 19% rise in dividend payment for 2007 to CHF 1.60 per share, represents payout ratio of 49% of net income from continuing operations
- New CHF 10 billion share repurchase program receives approval
- Ann Fudge elected to the Board of Directors; re-elected to the Board are Ulrich Lehner, Ph.D., Alexandre F. Jetzer, Pierre Landolt and Peter Burckhardt, M.D.
February 25, 2008
Eucreas®, a single-tablet combination of Galvus® and metformin, set for launch in first EU countries as new treatment for type 2 diabetes
- Patients uncontrolled on metformin four times more likely to achieve blood sugar control on Eucreas compared to placebo
- First single-tablet combination of a DPP-4 inhibitor and metformin approved for European countries
- Eucreas results in no overall weight gain and low incidence of hypoglycemia
- Both Eucreas and Galvus to be available to patients in the first EU countries in the next few weeks
