Novartis shares down as failed cholesterol drug study increases pipeline pressure
The drug cut Lp(a) levels but did not lower heart attack or stroke risk, adding pressure on Novartis’ pipeline and growth outlook.
- Novartis shares fell more than 3% on Monday after its experimental cholesterol drug pelacarsen failed a late-stage study, casting doubt on the treatment's potential as a blockbuster worth $3 billion to $6 billion annually.
- Novo Nordisk halted two additional trials of its experimental cardiovascular drug ziltivekimab on Friday after an independent data monitoring committee determined there was a "low likelihood" either study would succeed.
- Pelacarsen did lower lipoprotein levels, a genetic cardiovascular risk affecting roughly one in five people, yet failed to reduce heart attacks and strokes compared with placebo.
- The setback intensifies pressure on Novartis' experimental muscular dystrophy treatment del-desiran, which the Swiss drugmaker acquired through its $12 billion purchase of Avidity last year.
- Rival treatments from Amgen and Eli Lilly targeting the same inherited cardiovascular risk factor remain in late-stage trials, though the Novartis failure raises the bar for demonstrating clinical benefit.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Novartis cholesterol setback tests hopes for emerging heart disease drugs - Regional Media News
By Bhanvi Satija LONDON, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Shares of Novartis fell more than 3% on Monday after its cholesterol drug failed in a closely watched study, dealing a blow to what investors had seen as a blockbuster treatment and raising pressure on upcoming data [...]
The pharmaceutical company Novartis needs replacement for its previous sales racer Entresto. However, this could come from a different therapeutic area than cardiac medicine.
Novo Nordisk decided to close in advance two clinical studies evaluating ziltivekimab, its experimental medicine for the treatment of patients with heart failure and inflammation, after concluding that it was unlikely to reach the expected clinical outcomes. Exclusive material for subscribers. To have full access, access the material link and register.
Pelacarsen lowers an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, this alone does not seem to protect against life-threatening events.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
