Novartis (NVS) presented encouraging data on Ultibro Breezhaler from the LANTERN study at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in Germany.
The data from the study showed that Ultibro Breezhaler significantly reduced the rate of moderate-to-severe exacerbations by 31% compared to Seretide Accuhaler (salmeterol/fluticasone [SFC]) in patients suffering from moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Moreover, the data showed Ultibro Breezhaler was effective in increasing lung function after 26 weeks compared to SFC.
We remind investors that Ultibro Breezhaler was approved in the EU in Sep 2013 as a maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms in adults suffering from COPD.
Novartis had presented positive first results from the LANTERN study in Apr 2014 wherein Ultibro Breezhaler met both the primary and key secondary objectives.
The COPD portfolio of Novartis includes Seebri Breezhaler and Arcapta Neohaler/Onbrez Breezhaler. Ultibro Breezhaler is a fixed-dose combination of Onbrez Breezhaler and Seebri Breezhaler.
Generating sales of $212 million in the first half of 2014, the COPD portfolio is expected to gain further traction in 2014.
Meanwhile, we cautiously watch Novartis' efforts to realign its portfolio in order to focus on its core business of pharmaceuticals, eye care and generics. We believe the recently announced acquisition of oncology products from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and divestment of the Vaccines business is a step in the right direction. It will broaden Novartis’ portfolio and enable it to focus better on its core capabilities.
Novartis currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the healthcare sector include Allergan (AGN) and Gilead Sciences (GILD). Both sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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