Novartis Shares Fall After Heart Drug Misses Target in Late-Stage Trial

Novartis AG stock fell 3.5% after its Phase III Lp(a)HORIZON trial for pelacarsen failed to meet its primary endpoint, despite lowering lipoprotein(a) levels. The Swiss Market Index dropped 1.2%, with Novartis as the primary drag. The selloff follows earlier negative trends and is amplified by macroeconomic challenges, including rising oil prices and ECB rate hike expectations.

Novartis AG shares dropped over 3% after its experimental drug pelacarsen failed to reduce heart attacks, strokes, and other serious heart problems in a late-stage trial. The Lp(a)HORIZON trial involved over 8,000 patients with high lipoprotein(a) levels. Despite lowering blood fat levels, the drug did not reduce cardiovascular events, raising questions about similar treatments from Amgen and Eli Lilly. Novartis's chief medical officer acknowledged the disappointing results but noted the data ad

Novartis India will acquire Pfizer's Minipress and Minipres trademarks in India, along with related intellectual property, for ₹1,250 crore. The deal includes Minipress XL, a high blood pressure drug with ₹228.6 crore revenue in July 2026. Pfizer will discontinue Minipress XL sales in India, receiving a $13.9 million lump-sum payment. Novartis India shares rose 2.9%, while Pfizer's shares fell 0.8%.

Novartis India acquired the trademarks 'Minipress' and 'Minipres' along with related IP rights from Pfizer for ₹1,250.001 crore. The deal values the brand at approximately 5.5 times its trailing twelve-month revenue. Separately, Novartis' Phase III Lp(a)HORIZON trial for pelacarsen failed to meet its primary endpoint, showing no reduction in cardiovascular events despite lower Lp(a) levels.

Novartis acquired cancer therapy company Myricx for over $2 billion, benefiting Australian investors including Brandon Capital and superannuation funds. The deal highlights the potential of biotech investments amid a looming $300 billion patent cliff for big pharma.

Novartis and Ionis' RNA drug, pelacarsen, failed to reduce heart attack, stroke, and death risks in a Phase 3 trial, despite lowering Lp(a) levels. Novartis stated the results were disappointing but may inform future cardiovascular approaches. Analysts noted the failure raises questions about similar therapies and potential impacts on ongoing trials. The drug was expected to generate significant revenue if successful.