science wire

Exclusive license for emricasan supports rapidly growing development portfolio in chronic liver diseases, including NASH   Conatus has initiated the Phase IIb ENCORE-LF clinical trial with emricasan in NASH.

Novartis receives FDA approval for Rydapt in newly diagnosed FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and three types of systemic mastocytosis (SM) Approval in newly diagnosed FLT3-mutated AML repre

Alcon announces EU launch of CyPass Micro-Stent, a micro invasive glaucoma surgical device, to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma Now available in the UK, G

Novartis delivered sales growth across all divisions (cc1) as growth drivers, including Cosentyx and Entresto, more than offset generic erosion; innovation momentum continued Net sales grew 2% (cc, -1

Over 16 months, more than 75% of patients on Gilenya had either no relapses, no new or enlarged MRI lesions or no disability progression; around 58% showed brain shrinkage levels broadly within the range expected for people without MS   Approximately 60% of patients achieved NEDA-3 (no relapses, no MRI lesions and no disability progression combined) and 38% achieved NEDA-4 (NEDA-3 plus no brain shrinkage), further supporting findings from clinic

Novartis expands global collaboration with Amgen to commercialize first-in-class AMG 334 (erenumab) program in migraine prevention in the US and Canada Novartis and Amgen to co-commercialize AMG 334

Sandoz receives positive CHMP opinions for biosimilars rituximab and etanercept to treat immunological diseases.

The Bill & Melinda Gates foundation has awarded EPFL-based non-profit iM4TB $2.45 million to take their innovative anti-tuberculosis drug PBTZ169 into clinical trials.

NIH study in NEJM shows Novartis drug eltrombopag as first-line therapy with standard treatment improves responses in severe aplastic anemia NIH study found 58% of patients with treatment-naïve severe aplastic anemia (SAA) achieved a complete response when eltrombopag was given at the initiation of and concurrently with standard immunosuppressive therapy   The historical complete response rate was 10% for untreated patients with SAA on immunosup

Roche to present new data at AAN reinforcing efficacy and safety of newly FDA-approved OCREVUS? (ocrelizumab) in two types of multiple sclerosis Data presentations will include platform sessions and

FDA grants Roche's TECENTRIQ (atezolizumab) accelerated approval as initial treatment for certain people with advanced bladder cancer First and only cancer immunotherapy approved in advanced bladder

FDA approves Roche's Lucentis (ranibizumab injection) for diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness among working age adults in the United States First and only medicine approved to treat

Designation prioritizes investigational CTL019 (tisagenlecleucel) as a potential treatment for adult patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)   R/r DLBCL, an aggressive cancer with limited options, is the second indication for CTL019 to receive Breakthrough Therapy designation   Advances in CTL019 result from collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania; regulatory submissions for r/r DLBCL are expected

Phase IIb clinical trial to evaluate a combination of a Novartis FXR agonist and Allergan's cenicriviroc for NASH, a progressive  form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease   There are currently no ap

Researchers are developing an innovative approach for the treatment of a rare autoimmune disease of the peripheral nervous system, using a type of molecular sponge consisting of carbohydrates to remove pathogenic antibodies from the bloodstream. Developed to treat anti-MAG neuropathy, the approach also has potential applications for the treatment of other autoimmune diseases.

Roche announces positive interim results for emicizumab in phase III study of children with haemophilia A Emicizumab prophylaxis reduced the number of bleeds in children with haemophilia A and inhibi

Phase III study shows Roche's Alecensa was superior to crizotinib in a specific type of lung cancer Second Phase III head-to-head study that showed that Alecensa helped people with advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) Results showed that people treated with Alecensa lived significantly longer without their disease progressing compared to crizotinib when given as initial (first-line) treatment Data will be submitted to global

Novartis exercises an option to in-license ECF843, a recombinant form of human lubricin from Lubris LLC, for ophthalmic indications worldwide (outside Europe) Dry eye is an area with high unmet medic

Scientists at the University of Basel have shown that LSD reduces activity in the region of the brain related to the handling of negative emotions like fear. The results, published in the scientific journal Translational Psychiatry, could affect the treatment of mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety.

New indication of Tafinlar and Mekinist in advanced NSCLC provides only therapy approved in the EU for BRAF V600-positive NSCLC Approval based on data showing more than 60% overall response rate in b

Phase III ALUR study supports the use of Roche's Alecensa for people with advanced ALK-positive lung cancer Results from the global, phase III ALUR trial showed that Alecensa significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) in people with advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy and crizotinib, compared with chemotherapy Roche today announced that the phase III ALUR s

Certain white blood cells play an important role in bringing a harmful virus under control after kidney transplantations. The results of a research group at the Department of Biomedicine at the University of Basel and University Hospital Basel could contribute to improving control of immunosuppression, avoiding transplant rejection and developing relevant vaccines.

Priority review for investigational CTL019 (tisagenlecleucel-T), a novel therapy that is manufactured for each individual patient using their own T'cells Novartis made an early commitment to the emer

FDA approves Roche's OCREVUS' (ocrelizumab) for relapsing and primary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis First and only approved disease-modifying therapy for primary progressive form of multipl

Alcon receives US FDA approval for new AcrySof IQ ReSTOR +2.

Phase III RELAX-AHF-2 study did not meet primary endpoints of reduced cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure in patients with acute heart failure   Novartis remains committed to improving and extending the lives of patients with cardiovascular disease and will continue to invest in ways to improve their outcomes Basel, March 22, 2017 - Novartis today announced results from the global Phase III RELAX-AHF-2 study investigating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of RLX030 (serelaxin) in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).

New data suggests that disease modification with Cosentyx may be achievable for around 20% of patients following one year of treatment   Patients with longer disease duration before treatment with Co

New post-hoc analysis of PARADIGM-HF data demonstrates Entresto lowered levels of HbA1c (a measure of glycemic control) by 0.26% vs.

Three winners, chosen by expert panel at Wired Health 2017 in London, identified innovative approaches to address access challenges in Ghana, the Maldives and the Philippines.

Novartis Kisqali (ribociclib, LEE011) receives FDA approval as first-line treatment for HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer in combination with any aromatase inhibitor Approved based on a first-line P

Sandoz proposed biosimilar adalimumab (GP2017) shown to have equivalent efficacy and a similar safety profile as reference medicine, Humira * Comprehensive development program show potential of GP2017 to treat inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and plaque psoriasis Study reinforces strength of Sandoz pipeline and its key role in the broader Novartis immunology portfolio Holzkirchen, 6 March 2017 - Sandoz, a Novartis division, and the pioneer and global leader in biosimilars, today presented data for its proposed biosimilar adalimumab (GP2017).

New analysis shows 94% of patients on Cosentyx regained PASI 75, with up to 80% of patients regaining PASI 90 to 100 after only 16 weeks of retreatment   Cosentyx has shown superior and sustained results versus both Stelara and Enbrel, delivering long-lasting clear or almost clear skin (PASI 90 to 100) ,   Cosentyx has treated 80,000 patients worldwide to date and is the only IL-17A inhibitor approved in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylo

Phase III APHINITY study shows Roche's Perjeta regimen helped people with an aggressive type of early breast cancer live longer without their disease returning compared to Herceptin and chemotherapy

Media releases, information for representatives of the media Media Relations (E) Scientists at the Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern have developed an in vitro stem cell-based bio

If approved, Tafinlar + Mekinist will be the first targeted therapy specifically for NSCLC patients with a BRAF V600 mutation CHMP opinion based on positive data from pivotal study of patients with B

Priority Review based on Phase III study results showing 16.6 month median progression-free survival in previously untreated ALK+ metastatic NSCLC patients on Zykadia vs.

Phase II study supports potential for Roche's TECENTRIQ (atezolizumab) plus Avastin (bevacizumab) for people with locally advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma Proof of concept study in first line mRCC (a type of kidney cancer) shows that TECENTRIQ and Avastin can be combined with a manageable safety profile Study results also showed encouraging efficacy compared to sunitinib in those people whose disease expressed the PD-L1 (programmed de

The use of immunotherapy to treat cancer is celebrating its first successes - but there are still many knowledge gaps in the underlying mechanisms of action. In a study of mice with soft tissue tumours, ETH researchers have now shown how endogenous killer cells track down the tumours with the help of dormant viruses.

Votubia is the first adjunctive treatment approved in the EU specifically for partial-onset seizures in children and adults with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)   Approval addresses unmet need as up

Cellestia Biotech, an EPFL spin-off, can now carry out clinical trials on its new cancer treatment after raising CHF 8 million in seed money.

Humans perceive everyday things and experiences differently and attach different meaning to pieces of music, for instance. In the case of psychiatric disorders, this perception is often altered. For patients suffering from addictions, for instance, drug stimuli are more meaningful than for people without an addiction.

Novartis Access-to-medicine programs reached approximately 52 million patients, including first-year deliveries through the innovative Novartis Access program   Novartis improved position in key sust

Novartis delivered solid 2016 performance, with Growth Products absorbing Gleevec US LOE; innovation momentum continued; announces share buyback FY net sales (0% cc ) in line with prior year due to st

Media releases, information for representatives of the media Media Relations (E) The first clinical studies for a new type of immunotherapy for leukaemia are beginning at Bern's University Hospital and the Department of Clinical Research (DCR) of the University of Bern. Antibodies discovered in the laboratory should inhibit the growth of tumour cells.

Why does breast cancer develop and how come certain patients are resistant to established therapies' Researchers from the University of Basel have gained new insights into the molecular processes in breast tissue. They identified the tumor suppressor LATS as a key player in the development and treatment of breast cancer.

Novartis enters into an exclusive option agreement with Ionis and Akcea to license two investigational treatments expected to significantly reduce cardiovascular risk in patients living with elevated

A combination of a diabetes medication and an antihypertensive drug can effectively combat cancer cells. The team of researchers led by Prof. Michael Hall at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel has also reported that specific cancer cells respond to this combination of drugs. The results of the study have now been published in 'Science Advances'.

Roche's emicizumab for haemophilia A meets primary endpoint in phase III study Emicizumab prophylaxis reduced the number of bleeds over time compared to no prophylaxis in people with haemophilia A an

Positive Phase III results for Roche's investigational medicine OCREVUS (ocrelizumab) published in New England Journal of Medicine OCREVUS is the first and only investigational medicine to show superior efficacy versus comparators in both relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis in clinical studies OCREVUS demonstrated a favourable safety profile in three large Phase III studies Roche announced today that data from three Phase III st

Novartis confirms its leadership in ophthalmology by entering a new therapy area. Acquisition of Encore Vision, Inc.