BERTHELSEN SPENCER R sold $605K of IONS

Ionis and Novartis' pelacarsen failed to reduce major adverse CV events in patients with high lipoprotein(a) and heart disease, according to the Lp(a)HORIZON trial. The drug did not outperform placebo in reducing CV events, with similar rates in both groups. The trial included 8,322 patients, with a median follow-up of 4.7 years. Despite the setback, experts urge continued research into lipoprotein(a) treatments.

Novartis NVS is halting development of Ionis IONS's heart drug pelacarsen after it failed a late-stage trial. The therapy did not meet its primary endpoint in the Lp(a)HORIZON trial for cardiovascular disease. Novartis will continue testing pelacarsen for calcific aortic valve stenosis. Amgen AMGN, Arrowhead ARWR, and Royalty Pharma RPRX also saw shares drop in September due to the setback.

Novartis (NVS) will halt development of a heart disease drug discovered by Ionis (IONS) after it failed in a late-stage trial in September, according to Bloomberg.

GSK's Hibsago (bepirovirsen) approved in Canada for chronic hepatitis B, offering a finite treatment option. Approval based on Phase III trials showing 19-26% functional cure rates. Targets 262,000 Canadians with chronic hepatitis B, a leading cause of liver cancer. Supply expected in early 2027.

Novartis and Ionis' heart drug pelacarsen failed to reduce heart attack or stroke risk in a trial, despite cutting Lp(a) levels by 80%. The results challenge the belief that lowering Lp(a) benefits heart health, raising questions for doctors and investors.

The FDA has approved zilganersen (Zanvastro), the first drug to treat Alexander disease, a rare neurological disorder. Developed by Ionis Pharmaceuticals, the drug reduces GFAP production. Clinical trials showed stabilization or improvement in motor skills, with mild to moderate side effects. The drug is administered via spinal injection every three months.