PZ) Novartis Delivers Strong Start to 2006 in First Quarter with Excellent Sales and Earnings Growth Performance

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http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.mpl/conws/3814384

Some highlights if you don't want to look at it.

-- Group first quarter net sales up 13% in USD (+17% in local

currencies) based on strong underlying sales expansion in all

divisions and positive acquisition impact

Gleevec/Glivec (USD 559 million, +18% lc), for patients with all stages

of Philadelphia-chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

and for certain forms of gastro-intestinal stromal tumors (GIST), kept

delivering double-digit sales growth. Ongoing penetration of the CML and

GIST markets, an increase in the average daily dose and an increasing

number of patients thanks to improved survival have supported sales. US

and EU submissions for approval as a treatment for four rare types of

cancer have been completed.

AMN107 (nilotinib) remains on track for US and EU submission in early

2007. The Phase II registration study for Gleevec-resistant patients

achieved full enrollment in chronic phase Philadelphia-chromosome

positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, with enrollment

in accelerated phase and blast crisis ongoing.

Zavie