Novartis Announces Breakthroughs in Multiple Therapies

Novartis has recently made significant strides in the development of treatments for various diseases, including iron overload, Parkinson's disease dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. The company's commitment to innovation has led to the approval of its medication Exjade for the treatment of iron overload in patients with genetic blood disorders, as well as the approval of Exelon for the treatment of mild to moderate Parkinson's disease dementia.

The first of these breakthroughs involves Exjade, an oral iron chelator that has been approved by the U.K. for the treatment of iron overload in patients with genetic blood disorders such as thalassaemia and sickle cell disease. Iron chelation is a critical treatment for patients receiving frequent blood transfusions to prevent the potentially life-threatening complications of excess iron in the body. Exjade, which is administered as a tablet in a drink, continuously decreases iron overload over a 24-hour period, improving the quality of life for patients and eliminating the need for needles.

In a separate development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation has announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Exelon (rivastigmine tartrate) for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer disease in addition to its existing approval for the treatment of mild to moderate Parkinson disease dementia. Exelon has been shown to improve overall functioning, cognition, and behavior in patients with Parkinson's disease dementia, with one large-scale, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study demonstrating statistically significant improvement in symptoms.

Furthermore, Novartis Consumer Health is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of Vapor Patch products marketed under the Triaminic brand due to serious adverse health effects that could result if the product is ingested by the child removing the patch and chewing on it.

Key Takeaways:

Novartis has announced the U.K. approval of Exjade for the treatment of iron overload in patients with genetic blood disorders such as thalassaemia and sickle cell disease.
Exjade is an oral iron chelator that continuously decreases iron overload over a 24-hour period, improving the quality of life for patients and eliminating the need for needles.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation has announced that the U.S. FDA has approved Exelon (rivastigmine tartrate) for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer disease in addition to its existing approval for the treatment of mild to moderate Parkinson disease dementia.
The Exelon in Parkinson's Disease Dementia Study (EXPRESS) demonstrated statistically significant improvement in symptoms of Parkinson disease dementia in patients treated with Exelon compared to placebo.
Novartis Consumer Health is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of Vapor Patch products marketed under the Triaminic brand due to serious adverse health effects that could result if the product is ingested by the child removing the patch and chewing on it.
The recall affects only the Vapor Patch product and consumers are advised to stop using it immediately and return it to their point of purchase for a full refund or discard it.

Statistics:

1.5 million Americans are affected by Parkinson's disease.
Approximately 40% of patients with Parkinson disease are estimated to also develop dementia.
The risk for developing dementia among Parkinson patients is approximately four to six times higher than among elderly people without this disease.
541 patients were included in the Exelon in Parkinson's Disease Dementia Study (EXPRESS).
25 European member states have granted European marketing authorization for Exelon for the treatment of Parkinson disease dementia.

Sources:

FDA's Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee report dated May 17, 2006
New England Journal of Medicine
National Parkinson Foundation (NPF)