Disappointing Clinical Trial Results Are Dragging Novartis, Amgen and the Dow Lower Tuesday
Novartis (NVS) shares fell 13% after two failed clinical trials, one for a muscle loss disease drug and another for a cholesterol-targeting drug. Amgen (AMGN) shares dropped 9%, impacting the Dow, as it develops a similar cholesterol drug. Novartis expects 5-6% annual sales growth through 2030. Both companies' stocks were affected by the trial results.
How this was made

The 30-second read
Why it matters
Both stocks experienced double‑digit declines, influencing the Dow and signaling sector‑wide risk.
Market read
The news drives short‑term volatility in pharma equities and the broader market index.
What to watch
Novartis still expects 5‑6% CAGR through 2030; long‑term growth may offset short‑term setbacks.
Background
The article reports fresh clinical‑trial data that caused immediate price moves in two large pharma stocks.
Ticker impact
Novartis shares fell 13% after its del-desiran trial failed to meet the primary endpoint for myotonic dystrophy.
Further downside pressure if no remedial data emerges; potential rebound if alternative indications are pursued.
13% intraday move reflects market reaction to a pivotal trial failure; investors will reassess pipeline valuation.
Amgen fell 9% as its cholesterol‑targeting program is seen as vulnerable after Novartis' similar trial failed.
Short‑term weakness likely; watch for any upcoming data that could offset the drag.
Amgen’s exposure is indirect but the Dow impact and peer‑related risk keep pressure on the stock.
Market effects
Biotech/pharma sector faces heightened risk for cholesterol and rare‑disease programs.
Dow Jones dragged lower as both NVS and AMGN are major components.
European and Asian markets with exposure to Novartis may see similar sell‑offs.
Counterpoint
If the trial failure is limited to a specific endpoint, the broader pipeline may remain undervalued, presenting a buying opportunity.
Key entities
- CompanyNovartis
Swiss drugmaker reporting a failed trial for del‑desiran.
- CompanyAmgen
U.S. biotech with a similar cholesterol program, impacted by peer news.



