May 06, 2008
Novartis Menveo® vaccine shows superior immune response against four types of meningitis disease in pivotal phase III trial
- First Phase III, head-to-head data show Menveo may offer greater protection for adolescents compared to Menactra*
- Novartis expects Menveo to be first quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine to protect from early infancy through adulthood
- More than 8 million infants and adolescents in the US and a significant number of children and travellers globally could benefit from Menveo[1]
April 28, 2008
Breakthrough technique pioneered at Novartis research institute restores light sensitivity in damaged retinas
- The Friedrich Miescher Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (FMI) announces a breakthrough technique that restores light sensitivity to previously unresponsive retinas
- Study published in the April 27 online issue of Nature Neuroscience shows that the new technique enabled blind mice to successfully perform visually guided behavioral tasks, an unprecedented result that opens the way for clinical trials in humans
- The approach pioneered at FMI could be an alternative to surgical transplantation of electrode arrays for the millions affected by blindness as a result of retinitis pigmentosa and late-stage macular degeneration
April 23, 2008
Novartis announces 20% average reduction in price of malaria drug Coartem® to further accelerate access in malaria-endemic regions
- Malaria affects 300 to 500 million people every year and is the biggest killer of children in Africa - every 30 seconds a child dies of malaria[1],[2]
- Coartem, a highly-effective artemisinin-based fixed-dose combination, produces cure rates up to 95%[3],[4]
- Since 2001, Novartis has provided more than 160 million treatments without profit to those most in need
- Price reduction made possible through efficiency gains in producing Coartem
April 21, 2008
Novartis reports higher sales and earnings in first quarter of 2008 showing healthcare portfolio well on the way to new growth cycle
- Novartis on track in 2008:
- Pharmaceuticals net sales up 6% (-3% lc) as flagship brands and key regions help offset 19% decline in US from ongoing impact of generics and Zelnorm marketing suspension:
- Sandoz benefits from fast-growing markets, particularly in Eastern Europe, as net sales rise 12% (+2% lc) and offset soft first-quarter sales in the US
- Consumer Health with solid performance as net sales rise 14% (+5% lc) driven by growth in Animal Health, OTC and CIBA Vision
- Vaccines and Diagnostics achieves dynamic net sales growth of 21% (+10% lc) while boosting investments in new meningitis vaccines and product portfolio
- Novartis expects record sales and earnings in 2008 from continuing operations
April 15, 2008
FTY720, a novel oral therapy in development for MS, shows sustained benefits for the majority of patients after three years of treatment
- Phase II study extension shows 68-73% of patients with multiple sclerosis remained relapse-free after three years of treatment with oral FTY720[1]
- New data demonstrate 89% of patients free from active brain lesions - the injury caused by MS - three years after starting treatment[1]
- MS, a devastating disease causing progressive disability, affects 2.5 million people worldwide including many young adults[2]
- FTY720 regulatory filings planned before end of 2009 in US and EU
April 15, 2008
Patients with early Parkinson's disease show better symptom control[1] and improvements in daily activities[1] with Stalevo than levodopa/carbidopa
- New data intended to support regulatory filings in 2008 with goal of expanding Stalevo indication to include treatment of early Parkinson's disease
- Stalevo currently used only when levodopa/carbidopa loses therapeutic effect prior to next scheduled dose[2] (referred to as end-of-dose "wearing off")
- Approximately 6.5 million people worldwide suffer from Parkinson's disease[3], a progressive and disabling neurological condition
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
