Novartis received approval from the FDA for Extavia (interferon beta-1b) for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. The drug is also indicated for patients who experience their first clinical episode of MS and have features consistent with the disease based on MRI results.

“Novartis has been a leader in neuroscience for more than 50 years, having pioneered a number of breakthrough therapies which remain important treatments to this day,” said Joe Jimenez, chief executive officer of the Novartis Pharmaceuticals Division. “We are committed to providing new approaches to MS care, and the FDA approval of Extavia marks the beginning of our long-term commitment to the MS community in the U.S.”

MS is estimated to affect approximately 400,000 patients in the U.S., of whom more than 80% have relapsing-remitting MS. Extavia will be available in the U.S. this fall.

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