Clinical briefs from Novartis, Gilead and AstraZeneca

Swiss drug major Novartis (NOVN: VX) has released new two-year results from the largest Phase III study ever in liver transplantation. Data confirmed comparable efficacy to control and superior renal function results than previously seen at 12 months. The data were presented at the 63rd annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) in Boston, USA.

The trial evaluated the introduction of Certican (everolimus) with reduced exposure tacrolimus administered twice-daily starting one month after liver transplantation versus standard-exposure tacrolimus. In October, European health authorities approved Certican (RAD001/everolimus) for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in adult patients receiving a liver transplant. In the USA a decision by the US Food and Drug Administration is expected by the end of 2012.

Ph II results with ACZ885