Novartis (NVS) Reports Positive Data On Ultibro Breezhaler

Novartis Pharma AG (NYSE:NVS) announced positive results from a head-to-head study, FLAME, on Ultibro Breezhaler at the 2016 European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress.

The randomized, double-blinded, double-dummy, parallel-group, non-inferiority, active-controlled, 52-week study affirmed that Ultibro Breezhaler is a more effective option for patients at the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups (exacerbations) than Seretide.

Results also showed that once-daily Ultibro Breezhaler 110/50 mcg led to consistent reductions in the rate of all exacerbations. Earlier this year, the study showed that Ultibro Breezhaler was superior to Seretide in reducing exacerbations and improving lung function.

We note that Ultibro Breezhaler is approved as a maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms in adult patients with COPD.

Sales from the COPD portfolio came in at $322 million in the first half of 2016, up from $283 million in the year-ago period. Novartis’ portfolio currently comprises Ultibro Breezhaler, Seebri Breezhaler and Onbrez Breezhaler/Arcapta Neohaler, which are all approved maintenance treatments for COPD. Approximately 210 million people suffer from COPD, making it the third leading cause of death and underscoring the need for better treatments.

We expect investors to keep an eye on an approval of new drugs and label expansion of existing ones at Novartis as the company has been facing stiff generic competition for some of its key drugs like Diovan and Gleevec.

Novartis currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:PCRX) , Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated (NASDAQ:CORT) and ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ANIP) . All of these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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