Singapore: Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion for the use of Novartis' 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.

"Novartis welcomes the decision by the CHMP in support of the approval of Ilaris in the EU," said Mr David Epstein, division head, Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

He aslo added, "When approved, lIaris will provide a new treatment option for patients who have endured frequent and crippling gouty arthritis attacks and where existing therapies do not offer relief. We look forward to receiving the final decision from the European Commission in the coming months."

Ilaris is the only available fully human monoclonal antibody that specifically targets IL-1 beta and when approved will offer patients, who are suffering gouty arthritis attacks, rapid pain relief via a single subcutaneous injection of 150 mg.