Novartis produces positive trial data for cancer drug Afinitor

Novartis has highlighted data from a new clinical trial that illustrates the survival benefits offered by its drug Afinitor to advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour patients.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that Afinitor tablets, when taken in association with a best supportive care regimen, can more than double progression-free survival rates when compared to placebo.

This represents a potential breakthrough for the treatment of the disease, for which current therapeutic options are relatively limited.

Novartis is currently seeking approval for the product in this indication from the US Food and Drug Administration, which has granted the treatment priority review status.

Worldwide regulatory filings for Afinitor for this patient population are also underway.

Last month, the company published its financial results for the 2010 full-year period, reporting a 14 percent year-over-year increase in net sales worldwide thanks in large part to the strong performance of its newer drug offerings.