Sept 8, 2009
Most pharmaceutical companies fuel their growth by creating more product lines within their core strengths. Entering highly contested therapeutic areas is a risky endeavor, but one a large pharmaceutical company is capable of funding. Novartis (NVS) currently has only a moderate presence in Neurology, with modestly successful products including Exelon for Alzheimer’s and Stalevo for Parkinson’s.
Novartis is employing several strategies to enter the field of Multiple Sclerosis therapeutics. Strategies employed include in-house development, early to mid-stage partnering and development of bio-generics. Further details of current studies and future potential of these agents and others are further explored in reports available throughneuropipeline.com.
In-House Development
Novartis is developing FTY-720 and BAF312 as sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonists for MS and other indications. FTY-720 (fingolimod) is furthest along with a second Phase III trial (FREEDOMS) completed in July. There is a near term catalyst with topline results likely to be released to coincide with presentations on September 10, 2009 in Düsseldorf at the ECTRIMS Congress (European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis).
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