Novartis, Genentech Get FDA OK of Self-Administered Xolair

By Colin Kellaher

Roche Holding AG's Genentech unit and Novartis AG on Monday said U.S. users of their blockbuster asthma treatment Xolair can now administer the drug themselves.

The companies said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Xolair prefilled syringes for self-injection across all approved U.S. indications.

Xolair, which was first approved in the U.S. in 2003 to treat allergic asthma and is now also approved for chronic idiopathic urticaria and nasal polyps, previously required administration by a healthcare professional.

Novartis and Genentech, which work together to develop and co-promote Xolair in the U.S., said self-administration of the drug from home has become particularly important for patients who are considered at high risk amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Write to Colin Kellaher at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-12-21 1357ET