$NOVN (+0,68%) achieves strong effect with blood cancer drug

The pharmaceutical company reports important progress in the Phase III ASC4first study in leukemia. In addition, Scemblix has a favorable safety and tolerability profile.

Novartis can score with another research success. The drug Scemblix was significantly more effective than other treatment approaches in patients with a certain form of blood cancer, Novartis announced on Friday. The Group has now presented the detailed results of the pivotal study at the important oncology congress Asco.

In the Phase III ASC4FIRST study, patients with newly diagnosed leukemia (Ph+ CML-CP) showed a higher response rate after 48 weeks when treated with Scemblix (asciminib) than with the standard tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) alone selected by the investigators, according to Novartis.

In addition, Scemblix showed a favorable safety and tolerability profile. There were fewer adverse events and treatment discontinuations than with some of the comparator agents.

The efficacy together with the very strong safety and tolerability profile make Scemblix a promising potential first-line option for newly diagnosed patients, the press release continues.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted the drug breakthrough therapy status in the current indication. Scemblix is already approved in more than 70 countries, including the USA and the EU. It can be used to treat adults with Ph+ CML-CP who have previously been treated with two or more TKIs. In some countries, including the US, Scemblix is also approved for patients with Ph+ CML-CP with a certain mutation (T315I).

Source: AWP/FuW, 31.05.2024