Positive results in Phase III trial of Jakafi (Incyte Corporation/Novartis) for patients with Myelofibrosis

New results from the Phase III COMFORT-II study shows that Jakafi(ruxolitinib), from Incyte Corporation, reduces splenomegaly and other symptoms commonly associated with Myelofibrosis. In addition, benefits are maintained for at least two years.

In a follow-up of 112 weeks, of patients randomised to receive either oral ruxolitinib or conventional therapy, just under half of patients receiving ruxolitinib achieved better than 35% reduction from baseline in spleen volume. Most reductions were sustained with ongoing treatment over two years. Also, 97.1 % of patients who had post-baseline assessments experienced clinical benefit with at least some reduction in spleen volume, the probabilities of maintaining the spleen response was 75% at week 48 and 58% at week 84. Data was presented at the 54th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting.