Cork-made drug gives leukaemia sufferers new lease of life

A Cork-made drug is giving leukaemia sufferers a new lease of life, according to an international study.

The research has found that Glivec, which is manufactured in Ringaskiddy by Novartis, can help people with chronic leukaemia strain to live for around 20 years and also improve their quality of life.

Sufferers of the condition only lived for around seven years in the past.

Around 40 cases of chronic leukaemia strain are reported in Ireland each year.