Novartis files Glivec for approval in rare cancers

ZURICH (Reuters) – Novartis has filed for approval from regulators to market its once-a-day cancer pill Glivec for a rare form of skin cancer as well as three kinds of blood disorders, all thought to share the same root.

Glivec, or Gleevec in the United States, was hailed as a breakthrough in cancer treatment when it was launched in late 2002 and is currently approved for use in a form of leukemia and a rare stomach cancer.

Novartis said on Monday it would request approval in the United States and Europe for Glivec in a deep form of skin cancer called dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and three forms of blood disorder that have the potential to develop into possibly fatal conditions.

While only a small number of patients are diagnosed with the various conditions for which the Swiss drugmaker is seeking approval, Novartis believes a green light from regulators would lend further validation to concept of targeted cancer therapies.