Novartis study of real-world data concludes Jakavi is associated with a reduction in risk of death and dangerous blood clots for patients with rare blood cancer

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• Comparison of Jakavi^® (ruxolitinib) vs. best available therapy presented at EHA suggests reduced risk of death in patients with inadequately controlled polycythemia vera (PV)[1]

• Additional data at EHA suggests earlier treatment with Jakavi may lead to improved outcomes for patients with myelofibrosis (MF) [2]^, [3]

• Data underscores Novartis commitment to people with MF and PV through a robust ongoing research program in these rare blood cancers

Basel, June 15, 2018 - Novartis announced today results from a new comparison study showing that Jakavi^® (ruxolitinib)-treated patients with polycythemia vera (PV), who were resistant or intolerant to hydroxyurea (HU), had a significantly reduced risk of thrombosis (blood clots) and death compared to PV patients who received best available therapy[1]. The study findings are based on a comparison of patients in the Phase III RESPONSE Jakavi clinical trial and the real-world Spanish GEMFINI patient registry. PV is a rare and incurable blood cancer associated with an overproduction of blood cells that can cause serious cardiovascular complications, such as blood clots, stroke and heart attack[4].

The new findings were presented at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) in Stockholm, Sweden.

"When you can complement clinical trial data with real-world experiences, it can provide valuable insight into how treatments affect patients in their day-to-day lives," said lead study investigator, Alberto Alvarez-Larran, MD, Hematology Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain. "This latest research supports the use of Jakavi to help people with polycythemia vera gain better control of their disease when hydroxyurea is not an option."