Pivotal Phase III data show polycythemia vera patients on Novartis drug Jakavi® achieved significant improvement in disease control

Basel, June 3, 2014 - Novartis today announced results from the first-ever pivotal Phase III study evaluating a JAK 1/2 inhibitor for the treatment of polycythemia vera (PV). Jakavi® (ruxolitinib) significantly improved hematocrit control without the need for phlebotomy (a procedure to remove blood from the body to reduce the concentration of red blood cells[2]) and reduced spleen size in patients with PV who are resistant to or intolerant of hydroxyurea[1]. Findings are being presented at the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago, Illinois.

PV is a chronic, incurable blood cancer associated with an overproduction of blood cells that can cause serious cardiovascular complications, such as stroke and heart attack[2]. Currently, there are limited treatments for polycythemia vera and a high unmet need exists for new therapies that provide effective disease control[3].

Pivotal Phase III data show polycythemia vera patients on Novartis drug Jakavi® achieved significant improvement in disease control