Ph III study shows Novartis' canakinumab substantially reduces steroid use in children with SJIA

Swiss drug major Novartis (NOVN: VX) says new pivotal Phase III data show that 45% of children with active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) were able to substantially reduce their use of oral corticosteroids (often described as steroids) within 28 weeks of commencing treatment with ACZ885 (canakinumab) (p<0.0001).

Trade-named Ilaris, the drug is already approved for the treatment of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS), a rare life-long auto-inflammatory disease with debilitating symptoms and few treatment options, in the European Union and the USA. The results of the new study, which met both primary endpoints, will be presented on November 9 at the American College of Rheumatology’s (ACR) Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago, USA.

Regulatory filing expected in 2012