Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for Tasigna.
Tasigna is indicated for use in chronic myeloid leukemia for patients that no longer respond to Glivec(Gleevec in the US). It was developed as a next-generation targeted therapy for adult patients with chronic or accelerated phase Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with intolerance and/or resistance to Gleevec.
Both Tasigna and Gleevec were designed to inhibit the production of cells containing the Philadelphia chromosome by inhibiting the Bcr-Abl protein which is recognized as the key cause of the proliferation of white blood cells that characterizes Ph+CML.
"These exciting data demonstrate that Tasigna has the potential to offer a compelling new treatment option for patients with Ph+ CML. Designing Tasigna to be an even more targeted Bcr-Abl inhibitor than Gleevec appears to be providing impressive efficacy results with a manageable safety profile," said David Epstein, CEO and President of Novartis Oncology.
[Sources: Reuters and MedicalNewsToday]
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