Novartis AG ADR (NVS)

Nov 10, 2026

Phase 3 trial results for Novo Nordisk's ziltivekimab and Novartis' pelacarsen showed that while both drugs effectively reduced their targeted blood markers (inflammation and lipoprotein(a) respectively), neither was successful in preventing major cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes. The failures challenge current drug development strategies beyond LDL cholesterol lowering, prompting Novartis to discontinue pelacarsen's development and Novo Nordisk to record a significant impairment. Future trials for similar drugs, such as Amgen's olpasiran and Novo Nordisk's ARTEMIS, are anticipated to provide further insights.

Nov 7, 2026

Novartis's pelacarsen, an Lp(a)-lowering drug, reduced Lp(a) levels by 78% but failed to decrease major cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes, according to full results from the Lp(a)HORIZON trial. The company will halt further development for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, though a study for aortic valve stenosis will continue. This outcome casts a shadow over similar drugs in development by Amgen and Eli Lilly, despite their higher Lp(a) entry thresholds in trials.

Nov 6, 2026

Novartis' spinal muscular atrophy gene therapy, Zolgensma, is under scrutiny after nine tumor reports in treated children, with two cases showing viral vector DNA integration. This follows previous reports of acute liver failure deaths in 2022. The incidents highlight the long-term safety challenges of gene therapies, prompting investigations by regulatory authorities and calls for transparent communication with affected families.

Nov 2, 2026

The failure of Novartis's experimental heart drug, pelacarsen, to reduce heart attack and stroke risk despite lowering lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels has prompted cardiologists and investors to question the efficacy of targeting this genetic cholesterol carrier. The detailed trial results, expected soon, will determine if Lp(a)-targeting drugs hold future promise or if Lp(a) is merely an indicator of risk. Other drugmakers like Amgen and Eli Lilly are developing their own Lp(a)-lowering drugs, with results anticipated in the coming years.