Expanded use for Novartis' Sandostatin LAR in UK

Swiss drug major Novartis' Sandostatin LAR (octreotide acetate forinjectable suspension) is now approved in the UK for patients with acromegaly in short-term treatment (three to 12 months) prior to pituitary surgery. This complements the existing license in acromegaly for symptomatic control and reduction of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels and for the relief of symptoms associated with gastroenteropancreatic tumors, noted the firm. The product was recently cleared in Japan (Marketletter May 3) and is registered in more than 70 territories worldwide, including in the European Union and USA (Marketletters passim).