Ionis Pharmaceuticals Eyes TRYNGOLZA Growth as Pipeline Faces Cardio Setbacks

The FDA approved Zanvastro, the first drug to treat Alexander disease, a rare neurological disorder. Developed by Ionis Pharmaceuticals, it targets the GFAP protein. Clinical trials showed motor function stabilization and improvement. The drug will be available in the U.S. soon, with global distribution via Recordati.

Novartis and Ionis Pharmaceuticals' pelacarsen failed to reduce cardiovascular events in a Phase 3 trial, despite lowering lipoprotein(a) levels. This setback removes a potential revenue stream for Ionis, increasing pressure on its other late-stage RNA medicines. Analysts project $2.3B revenue and $222.2M earnings for Ionis by 2029, but the outcome raises execution risks and may extend the company's loss-making period.

The FDA approved Zanvastro, the first drug to treat Alexander disease, developed by Ionis Pharmaceuticals and UW–Madison researchers. Clinical trials showed stabilization or improvement in motor function. The drug targets GFAP protein, reducing its production. Ionis collaborated with Recordati for global distribution. Alexander disease is ultra-rare, affecting fewer than 1 in a million people.

Novartis (NVS) and Ionis (IONS) reported that their experimental cholesterol drug, pelacarsen, failed to reduce heart attacks and strokes in a late-stage trial, despite lowering Lp(a) levels. Shares of both companies fell in aftermarket trading. Novartis and Ionis acknowledged the setback but highlighted other pipeline opportunities. The failure removes a potential growth driver for both companies, with Novartis facing greater pressure to replace revenue as older drugs face patent challenges.

Novartis' pelacarsen failed to meet its primary endpoint in a late-stage study, impacting the cardiovascular drug market. Analysts expected peak sales of $4B-$5B. Eli Lilly's (LLY) stock declined only 3%, as its lepodisiran drug uses a different approach and Lilly has strong diabetes/obesity markets. Novartis (NVS) and Amgen (AMGN) are also developing Lp(a)-lowering drugs.

Novartis' experimental drug Pelacarsen, developed with Ionis, failed to reduce cardiovascular events in a major trial. Novartis (NYSE:NVS) and Ionis (NASDAQ:IONS) shares dropped, as did Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) due to read-through concerns. Analysts had predicted peak sales of $3-6B for Pelacarsen. Amgen's similar drug, olpasiran, is still in trials. The failure raises questions about the effectiveness of Lp(a)-lowering drugs.