Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) has recently acquired Selexys Pharmaceuticals Corp. after receiving results from the SUSTAIN clinical trial, a Phase II clinical trial evaluating SelG1 for the reduction of vaso-occlusive pain among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. The results will be presented at the 58th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting on December 4.
Importance of Acquisition
“With this acquisition, Novartis is able to leverage its leadership in hematology research to advance development of a potential new treatment option for patients living with this debilitating condition,” boasted Bruno Strigini, Novartis Oncology CEO.
There are millions of patients suffering from SCD around the world. Amid this, the treatment options currently available are still limited — particularly for a common complication such as vaso-occlusive pain crises.
SCD is a hereditary, lifelong blood disease. Vaso-occlusive pain crises are episodic occurrences among SCD patients. They happen when sickle-shaped red blood cells (RBCs) hamper blood flow through the blood vessels.
According to Scott Rollins, Ph.D., former Selexys Pharmaceuticals CEO and President, the acquisition also signifies an important milestone in the development of SelG1, a potential first-in-class therapy for vaso-occlusive pain crises among SCD patients.
The transaction will cost as much as $665 million in upfront and milestone payments combined.
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2017 Report
On Monday, Novartis has also recognized the GOLD 2017 report publication.
The GOLD 2017 report has highly recommended the first-line use of dual bronchodilators in treating most symptomatic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Primarily, it aims to help healthcare providers in implementing better COPD management programs constantly.
Vasant Narasimhan, Novartis Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Global Head of Drug Development, has emphasized that the GOLD 2017 report marks an important milestone in improving COPD patient care throughout the world.
The new recommendations can potentially lead to the shift to dual bronchodilators from traditional inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/LABA combinations for the first-line treatment of symptomatic COPD patients regardless of potential risks. The GOLD 2017 report has backed these recommendations with substantial evidences demonstrating no significant harms or risks.
Presently, Ultibro Breezhaler is the only dual bronchodilator with proven superior efficacy over most ICS/LABA combinations for the said indication.
Novartis has closed at $70.13 on Monday.
