The trial, also referred to as Response, is a global, randomised study of efficacy and safety in polycythemia vera patients who are resistant or intolerant of hydroxyurea.
Response is expected to enroll approximately 300 patients worldwide. The trial is being conducted by Incyte in the US.
Response clinical sites in the US began enrolling in October.
Novartis expects to initiate the ex US clinical sites by year end.
Incyte entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Novartis for two of its investigational hematology-oncology therapies: INCB18424 and INCB28060 in 25 November 2009.