Novartis Says MS Pill Helped Control Disease With Favorable Safety Data in Trials

Novartis reported relapse data for its multiple sclerosis drug remibrutinib that fell short of expectations. The company's shares have seen a 5-day change of 128.00 CHF, a 1st Jan change of -0.68%, and a year-to-date increase of 16.79%.

Novartis's U.S. shares dropped 4.5% after presenting MS pill trial data showing relapse rate reductions of 35.2% and 31.2% vs. Sanofi's Aubagio, below Roche's 51.1%-58.5% with fenebrutinib. No liver safety issues were observed. Analysts expected at least parity in efficacy. Novartis aims for long-term disease management.

Novartis' MS drug remibrutinib reduced relapse rates by 35.2% and 31.2% in Phase 3 trials compared to Sanofi's Aubagio, according to data presented at a conference. The drug showed a cleaner safety profile but less efficacy than Roche's rival treatment.

Novartis' remibrutinib showed superior results in Phase III RMS trials, reducing relapses and disease progression vs. teriflunomide. The drug demonstrated a robust safety profile with no liver safety signals. Novartis plans global regulatory approvals.

Novartis (NVS) reported positive Phase 3 trial results for remibrutinib, showing superior relapse control and delayed disease progression in relapsing multiple sclerosis. The drug reduced annualized relapse rate by 35.2% and 31.2% in two trials, with no liver safety signal. Results were presented at MSToronto2026 and published in The Lancet.

Novartis AG reported that its BTK inhibitor, remibrutinib, showed significant efficacy in two Phase III trials for relapsing multiple sclerosis, reducing relapse rates by 35.2% and 31.2% compared to teriflunomide. The drug also demonstrated a 29.2% reduction in 6-month confirmed disability progression risk and no liver safety signal. Novartis plans to seek global regulatory approval.