Novartis will present new data from across its hematology portfolio at the upcoming 59th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition, Atlanta, December 9-12. More than 75 abstracts will be presented, highlighting the robust Novartis development program for serious blood diseases.

"This is an exceptionally productive time in hematology, and the breadth of our Novartis Oncology data and presence at ASH underscore our commitment to this space," said Vas Narasimhan, Global Head Drug Development and chief medical officer, Novartis. "Following the launch of Kymriah, the first FDA-approved CAR-T therapy, we are particularly excited about presenting additional data on this new approach to cancer treatment, as well as a new analysis for crizanlizumab, an investigational treatment for patients with sickle cell disease."

Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) suspension for intravenous infusion is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy, indicated for the treatment of patients up to 25 years of age with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that is refractory or in second or later relapse. Additional results evaluating Kymriah in pediatric ALL and in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) will be presented.

Data for Kymriah include results from the primary analysis of the JULIET study in adult patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL, demonstrating sustained complete response rates based on extended follow up, and efficacy and safety findings from additional treated patients compared to a previously presented interim analysis. Additionally, results of a cost-effectiveness analysis of Kymriah for the treatment of relapsed or refractory ALL in the United States will be presented in an oral presentation.