FDA approves Novartis' Signifor drug for rare hormonal disorder
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Novartis logo is pictured on its headquarters building in Mumbai April 1, 2013. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (Copyright Reuters 2013)
U.S. health regulators have approved Novartis' drug Signifor LAR as a treatment for a rare and life-threatening hormonal disorder, the Swiss drugmaker said on Tuesday.
The Basel-based firm said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) backed its drug Signifor LAR to treat acromegaly in adults for whom surgery is not an option, after two late-stage studies showed the drug allowed for greater disease control than existing therapies.
Acromegaly is caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland due to the secretion of excess growth hormones, and can lead to the enlargement of body parts, including the hands, feet and facial features.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Last month, Novartis won approval for Signifor LAR from European health regulators.