The U.S. FDA has granted Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation marketing clearance for Exelon (rivastigmine tartrate) capsules, a cholinesterase inhibitor for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Exelon therapy is proven effective in multiple phase III trials in the three key domains used to assess the disease — global functioning (including activities of daily living and behavior) and cognition.
“When an Alzheimer’s patient declines in any one of the three domains of the disease, it has a major impact on the lives of patients and their caregivers,” said George T. Grossberg, MD, Director, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
“Early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important.
A new therapy such as Exelon, which can affect symptoms early in the disease and is proven effective in all three critical domains of the illness, provides new hope for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.”
“The FDA marketing approval for Exelon is an important milestone for Novartis and our rapidly expanding Neuroscience franchise,” said David Epstein, Chief Operating Officer, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
“Exelon underscores our long-standing commitment to Alzheimer’s disease research, patients and their caregivers.”
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation researches, develops, manufactures and markets leading innovative prescription drugs used to treat a number of diseases and conditions, including central nervous system disorders, organ transplantation, cardiovascular diseases, dermatological diseases, respiratory disorders, cancer and arthritis.
The company’s mission is to improve people’s lives by pioneering novel healthcare solutions.