Novartis’ Gilenya named as Prix Galien Awards finalist

Novartis has announced that its multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy Gilenya has been shortlisted for a prestigious Prix Galien UK Award.

The drug, which is the first oral therapy to be approved for patients with MS, has been named in the 2012 innovative products category ahead of the awards ceremony on September 26th.

It was first granted marketing authorisation in March 2011 and was approved for NHS funding last month, due to the fact it addresses a strong unmet clinical need among patients with highly-active relapsing remitting MS.

International phase III clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the drug, with Novartis hailing the award nomination as an endorsement of its comprehensive research and development programme.

Mark Bechter, medical director at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said: "What pleases us above all else is that people living with this lifelong condition now have access to this highly effective and innovative new treatment."

Last month, the company won European regulatory approval for Signifor, the first Cushing's disease treatment to be ratified for sale in this region.