Novartis receives FDA approval for leprosy drug Lamprene

Novartis AG announced that the FDA has approved its supplemental new drug application for Lamprene (clofazimine), a treatment for leprosy. The approval, originally granted on July 27, 2024, was communicated to health‑care professionals on October 9, 2024 and publicly disclosed by Novartis on October 13, 2026. The clearance removes the prior managed‑access restrictions, allowing the drug to be supplied free of charge through specialty pharmacies.

The regulatory clearance enables patients with leprosy to obtain Lamprene without the earlier complex access program, expanding Novartis’ rare‑disease portfolio. Free distribution through specialty pharmacies may improve treatment uptake and generate incremental revenue for the company.

  • 1The FDA approved Novartis’ supplemental new drug application for Lamprene on July 27, 2024.
  • 2Novartis informed health‑care professionals of the approval on October 9, 2024.
  • 3Novartis publicly announced the FDA approval on October 13, 2026.
  • 4The approval permits Lamprene to be distributed free of charge via specialty pharmacies, ending the previous managed‑access program.

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