Novartis' Voltaren Gel cleared by FDA

The US Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for Swiss drug major Novartis' Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) Gel, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, for use in treating pain associated with osteoarthritis in joints amenable to topical treatment, such as the knees and those of the hands.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joint. Clinical trials have demonstrated Voltaren Gel to be highly effective in treating osteoarthritis pain in the hands and knees, which are the body's most commonly-affected joints. It is the first prescription topical osteoarthritis treatment to have proven its effectiveness in both the knees and joints of the hands through clinical trials, says Novartis. Voltaren Gel delivers effective pain relief with a favorable safety profile as its systemic absorption is 94% less than the comparable oral diclofenac treatment.