EU approves Ilaris (Novartis) to treat Gouty Arthritis

Novartis has announced that the European Commission has approved llaris (canakinumab, ACZ885) in the treatment of patients with acute Gouty Arthritis who suffer frequent attacks, and whose symptoms cannot or should not be managed with current treatment options. Ilaris is the first biologic approved in the EU for symptomatic pain relief in a gouty arthritis indication, and is administered in a single, subcutaneous injection of 150 mg.

Ilaris is specifically indicated for the 'symptomatic treatment of adult patients with frequent gouty arthritis attacks (at least 3 attacks in the previous 12 months) in whom non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and colchicine are contraindicated, are not tolerated, or do not provide an adequate response, and in whom repeated courses of corticosteroids are not appropriate'.The EC also granted an additional year of data exclusivity to Novartis based on the significant clinical benefit over existing treatments demonstrated for Ilaris.