Novartis: ACZ885 (canakinumab biological drug) works against rare arthritis

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Novartis: ACZ885 drug works against rare arthritis

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ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG said a study showed its

ACZ885 drug achieved " rapid and long-lasting remission " in children and

adults suffering from rare forms of arthritis after just one dose.

Novartis said phase III data presented at the American College of

Rheumatology meeting in San Francisco showed that its ACZ885 or canakinumab

biological drug helped those with a group of diseases called

Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes.

" Due to the long duration of response, patients only needed further

treatment every two months, " it said.

In addition, preliminary results from a phase I/II study into the most

severe form of arthritis in children showed the drug gave " substantial

clinical improvement " within 15 days.