Novartis: plans blood cancer drug trial to fight coronavirus

(CercleFinance.com) - Novartis plans to start trials on its blood cancer drug Jakavi to treat patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms, the Swiss drugmaker said on Friday.


The company said it will initiate a Phase III clinical trial in collaboration with US partner Incyte to evaluate the use of Jakavi for treatment of severe immune overreaction, that can lead to life-threatening respiratory complications in coronavirus patients.

Novartis said that this decision is based on pre-clinical evidence and preliminary reports from independent studies.

"The potential that Jakavi could lead to faster recovery times for COVID-19 patients with fewer requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation is encouraging and absolutely merits further investigation", the group said.

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