Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

NVS’ Ilaris (canakinumab) reduces MACE in secondary-prevention setting:

https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-phase-iii-study-shows-acz885-canakinumab-reduces-cardiovascular-risk

Novartis today announced topline results from the global Phase III CANTOS study investigating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of ACZ885 (canakinumab) in combination with standard of care in people with a prior heart attack and inflammatory atherosclerosis. With more than 10,000 patients enrolled in the study over the last six years, CANTOS is one of the largest and longest-running clinical trials in Novartis' history.

The CANTOS study met the primary endpoint, demonstrating that when used in combination with standard of care ACZ885 reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke, in patients with a prior heart attack and inflammatory atherosclerosis.

The full data from the study will be submitted for presentation at a medical congress and for peer reviewed publication later this year.

Ilaris, which is currently approved for orphan indications and sells about $250 per annum, will likely become one of the pharma industry’s biggest-selling drugs as a consequence of these new data. Dosing in the CANTOS study was once every three months.