EU approves new drug for rare hormonal disorder
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Feb. 6, 2014: A Novartis logo is pictured on its headquarters building in Mumbai. (Reuters)
The European Commission has approved Novartis' drug Signifor to treat a rare hormonal disorder, the Swiss drugmaker said on Monday.
The drug, used to treat adults with acromegaly for whom surgery is not an option, was approved after two late-stage studies showed the drug allowed for greater disease control than existing therapies, Novartis said.
Acromegaly is caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland that secretes excess growth hormone, and can lead to the enlargement of body parts, including the hands, feet and facial features.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An estimated one to two people per 10,000 are affected with the disease in the European Union, according to Novartis.