New analysis representing largest available dataset highlights relative safety of Lucentis (ranibizumab) compared to unlicensed intravitreal Avastin (bevacizumab)

Basel, May 4, 2011 - A new Medicare analysis conducted by Johns Hopkins University presented today at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) meeting represents the largest available dataset comparing the relative safety of unlicensed intravitreal Avastin (bevacizumab) and Lucentis (ranibizumab). These data contribute to the existing body of evidence that suggest that the risk of death and stroke may be higher in patients treated with intravitreal Avastin compared to Lucentis. "Data presented this week at ARVO underscore the importance of drug design with the patient in mind - aiming for an appropriate balance of efficacy and safety for a given indication and patient population," said Trevor Mundel, MD, Global Head of Development at Novartis Pharma AG. "Now more than ever it is clear that Lucentis and Avastin are different, and Novartis believes Lucentis is the best treatment option for patients with wet AMD." "Patient safety, informed consent and full disclosure are major priorities for the AMD Alliance International," said Narinder Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, AMD Alliance International. "The Johns Hopkins' data gives us valuable additional information that patients and physicians need to consider and discuss when evaluating anti-VEGF treatment for wet AMD patients." Novartis believes that unlicensed use of drugs should be limited to cases where there is an unmet medical need which cannot be fulfilled by licensed medications.