Novartis presents promising lung disease data

Novartis presented positive mid-stage data for NVA237, a lung disease treatment, at the annual European Respiratory Society (ERS) show in Berlin, Germany. Novartis licensed the drug for from Sosei and Vectura Group in 2005 for $375 million. The once-daily treatment sustained 24-hour bronchodilation in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. All 83 patients dosed with NVA237 showed rapid onset of action and sustained 24-hour bronchodilation over the seven-day treatment period. In addition, there were no clinically relevant cardiovascular problems.

"On the back of these encouraging results, we now look forward to the continued progress of NVA237, and the combination therapy, QVA149," said Vectura Group CEO Chris Blackwell.

- see the release on NVA237

Related Articles:
Novartis restructures its development strategy
Novartis discovery chief departs in management shakeup
Novartis comes out on top at ASCO