Novartis, Incyte drug produces higher survival rates in patients with myelofibrosis

BASEL, Switzerland — A drug marketed by Novartis and Incyte Corp. extends the lives of patients with a life-threatening blood cancer to a greater extent than conventional therapy or placebo, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial.

Novartis announced the results of two phase-3 studies of Jakavi (ruxolitinib) in patients with myelofibrosis, presenting them at the American Society of Hematology's annual meeting and exposition in New Orleans.

Myelofibrosis is an uncommon blood cancer that causes enlargement of the spleen, scarring of the bone marow and other symptoms. According to the studies, titled "COMFORT-I" and "COMFORT-II," Jakavi may increase the probability of 10-year survival of patients with the cancer by more than 50% compared with conventional therapy. The drug is approved in the United States for patients with intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis and is marketed by Incyte under the name Jakafi.