A Phase II Study of Single Agent MEK162 in Patients With Advanced Melanoma

Inclusion Criteria: * Locally advanced or metastatic cutaneous melanoma AJCC Stage IIIB to IV, not potentially curable with surgery * BRAF or NRAS mutation in tumor tissue * All patients enrolled should provide sufficient fresh or archival tumor sample at baseline to enable confirmation of BRAF or NRAS mutations and the additional analyses described in the protocol * Evidence of measurable tumor disease as per RECIST * WHO performance status of 0-2 * Adequate organ function and laboratory parameters Exclusion Criteria: * History or evidence of central serous retinopathy (CSR), retinal vein occlusion (RVO) or any eye condition that would be considered a risk factor for CSR or RVO * Patients with unstable CNS metastasis * Prior treatment with a MEK- inhibitor * Impaired cardiovascular function * HIV, active Hepatitis B, and/or active Hepatitis C infection * Pregnant or nursing (lactating) women * Women of child-bearing potential UNLESS they comply with protocol contraceptive requirements Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply.