Novartis halts late-stage trial of Tasigna for GIST

Novartis announced Monday that it is halting a late-stage trial investigating Tasigna (nilotinib) as a first-line treatment in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) based on the recommendation of an independent data monitoring committee. The company noted that according to interim results of the ENESTg1 study, Tasigna is "unlikely to demonstrate superiority" compared to standard therapy of Glivec (imatinib). Analysts said the trial termination was a disappointment, as, if successful, Tasigna could have achieved annual sales of around $500 million in this indication. Reference Articles NOVARTIS : discontinues clinical trial of Tasigna for investigational use in newly diagnosed patients with unresectable and - (4-traders) Novartis stops Tasigna trial in patients with GIST - (FinanzNachrichten) Novartis Terminates Tasigna Development In Rare Stomach Cancer - (The Wall Street Journal) **Published in "FIRST WORD"