Novartis Removes Arzerra From Non-U.S. Markets

Novartis will pull its leukemia drug Arzerra from markets outside the U.S., according to Novartis partner Genmab.

Genmab CEO Jan van de Winkel attributed the decision to the increased availability of other chronic lymphocytic leukemia drugs over the past five years. These drugs include Johnson & Johnson and AbbVie’s Imbruvica, which was cleared for EU marketing in May 2016.

Novartis will pay Genmab $50 million to offset potential lost royalties, and will work with regulators to develop compassionate use programs through which patients currently using Arzerra can continue treatment.