Swiss pharmaceutical giant
Novartis
(
NVS
) recently announced that it intends to present key data from
studies in patients suffering from hematologic diseases and
breast cancer this December. The data, containing more than 140
abstracts, will be presented by Novartis at the American Society
of Hematology (ASH) and the CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer
Symposium (SABCS).
Hematology
An important readout from the Hematology segment will be the
presentation of two-year, follow-up data from phase III trials of
Jakavi (ruxolitinib). Jakavi is being developed for the treatment
of myelofibrosis. We note that Novartis licensed Jakavi from
Incyte Corporation
(
INCY
) for the development and commercialization of the drug in ex-US
markets.
The Hematology segment will also include two-year follow-up
data from a study which is evaluating patients suffering from
Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+
CML) in the chronic phase. The patients had switched to Novartis'
Tasigna after long-term treatment with the company's other
hematology drug Glivec to achieve a deeper molecular
response.
Novartis will be presenting updated data on Exjade
(deferasirox) as a treatment of non-transfusion-dependent
thalassemia (NTDT). We note that earlier in the month, the
Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the
European Medicines Agency (EMA) had issued a positive opinion for
approving Exjade for the NTDT indication. The company will also
present new data from another study on the drug, where it is
being developed for the removal of cardiac iron in
Beta-thalassemia major. The Hematology segment also includes data
presentation from other clinical trials on CTL019 (CART-19),
PKC412 (midostaurin) and LBH589 (panobinostat), among others.
The hematology market currently has players like
Abbott Laboratories
(
ABT
).
Breast Cancer
Novartis is also engaged in research and development efforts
for the treatment of breast cancer. The company currently has
several candidates in this segment. Novartis will present data
from a phase II clinical trial on Afinitor in combination with
fulvestrant. The study is evaluating the combination in women
suffering from HR+ advanced breast cancer who have progressed on
a previous endocrine therapy.
Novartis will also present data from an additional phase II
study on Afinitor in combination with Femara and from a phase III
trial of Afinitor in combination with
Pfizer Inc.
's (
PFE
) Aromasin. Novartis estimates that Afinitor has the potential to
generate $2 billion alone in advanced breast cancer by 2017.
Other important data readouts in breast cancer studies include
data from a pre-clinical data from LBH589, a phase I study of
BYL719 and a phase III randomized study of PI3K inhibitor
BKM120.
We remind investors that companies like
Roche Holding
(
RHHBY
) are already in the market targeting breast cancer.
Currently we have a Neutral recommendation on Novartis. The
company carries a Zacks #3 Rank (Hold rating) in the short
run.
ABBOTT LABS (ABT): Free Stock Analysis Report
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