Omalizumab meets in third CIU Phase III trial

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS; SIX:NOVN) said subcutaneous omalizumab given every four weeks for 24 weeks met the primary endpoint of reducing mean weekly Itch Severity Score (ISS) scores from baseline to week 12 vs. placebo in the Phase III ASTERIA I trial to treat chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). Data from the 318-patient study were presented at the European Association of Dermatology and Venereology meeting in Istanbul. ASTERIA I is the third of three Phase III trials of omalizumab to treat CIU (see BioCentury, June 26). ...