Novartis Discontinues Mid-Stage Lupus Trial In Latest Pipeline Setback

Novartis (NVS) halted its mid-stage trial for Fabhalta, a drug targeting lupus nephritis, citing strategic reasons. The company offers a 3.15% dividend yield with a 43% payout ratio and a 5% 3-year growth rate. Novartis has a GF Score of 71, indicating balanced financial health and growth prospects. Institutional activity is mixed, with 17 gurus holding positions, while insider trading remains quiet.

The FDA approved Novartis's remibrutinib (Rhapsido) for symptomatic dermographism (SD) in adults, the first on-label therapy for this chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU). The approval, announced by Novartis, is based on phase 3 trial data showing 29.3% of patients achieved complete response. Remibrutinib is now indicated for both SD and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) after antihistamine failure.

Novartis (NVS) stock rose 3.2% today, likely due to investor optimism around remibrutinib, which received FDA approval for symptomatic dermographism and showed positive Phase III data in relapsing multiple sclerosis. The company plans an investor call on October 23, 2026, to discuss the MS program.

Novartis (NVS) received FDA approval for Lamprene, a leprosy treatment, allowing free distribution via specialty pharmacies. The company offers a 3.32% dividend yield with a 43% payout ratio and 5% annual growth. NVS trades 9.2% above its GF Value™, rated fairly valued. It has a GF Score™ of 68/100, indicating solid financial health. Institutional interest remains mixed.

Novartis' Lamprene (clofazimine) for leprosy treatment received FDA approval on July 27, 2024, after the company stopped marketing it in the US. The approval was announced to healthcare professionals on Oct. 9, 2024.

Novartis has agreed to a $7.8 billion deal with Chinese company Abogen to develop mRNA technology. The US is reportedly considering allowing such pharmaceutical partnerships with China to continue, despite a more cautious approach in other sectors. According to the report, this deal highlights ongoing collaboration in the pharmaceutical industry between the US and China.