Novartis drug Ilaris approved to treat childhood arthritis

Novartis said on Friday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved its drug Ilaris to treat a serious form of childhood arthritis.

Ilaris inhibits interleukin-1 beta, excessive production of which plays a prominent role in certain inflammatory diseases, the company said.

The drug is the only approved treatment specifically for the condition that can be given as a monthly subcutaneous injection, Novartis said.

Ilaris is also approved in the European Union for the treatment of refractory gouty arthritis, Novartis said