FDA backs higher dose of Novartis Exelon Patch for Alzheimer's

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a higher dose of Swiss drug major Novartis’ (NOVN: VX) Exelon Patch (rivastigmine transdermal system) for the treatment of people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

The new 13.3mg/24 hour dosage strength of Exelon Patch – which in currently-approved strengths generated sales of $1.07 billion for Novartis last year - provides physicians with a new treatment option for patients who are experiencing a decline in overall function and cognition, the company noted.

"Alzheimer's disease is marked by progressive symptomatic decline, resulting in an increasingly large physical and emotional challenge for the patient and caregiver," said Jeffrey Cummings, director of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, quoted by Novartis. "Having multiple options for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease will help physicians better care for patients with the hope of improving function and cognition," he added.