Roche, Novartis grab FDA OK for new version of aging blockbuster Xolair

Roche and Novartis are hoping to keep aging Xolair competitive for as long as possible, and with a new FDA approval, they took a big step forward in doing just that.

The FDA on Friday green-lit a prefilled syringe formulation of the blockbuster, which treats both allergic asthma and chronic hives. The new version should roll out in the U.S. by the end of this year, Roche said.