Novartis Drug Lowers Annualized Relapse Rates by Up to 35.2% in MS Trials

Novartis' remibrutinib showed a 30% reduction in disability progression in a Phase III trial for multiple sclerosis (MS). The drug also increased the proportion of patients with no evidence of disease activity. Novartis estimates a $4B opportunity for remibrutinib in relapsing MS. The company reported no major safety differences compared to teriflunomide. Novartis is conducting additional studies, with results expected in 2028 and 2031.

Novartis reported that Kisqali (ribociclib) plus endocrine therapy reduced death risk by 19.1% in a six-year study of early breast cancer. The trial showed a 2.1 percentage point overall-survival difference at year six. No new safety concerns were identified. The data will be presented at the 2026 ESMO Congress.

Novartis' remibrutinib, an oral BTK inhibitor, reduced annualized relapse rate by 35.2% and 31.2% in two phase 3 trials for relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) compared to teriflunomide. The trials also showed improvements in disability progression and MRI outcomes. Novartis plans to seek global regulatory approval for remibrutinib in RMS.

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 presented Phase III study results for remibrutinib, showing a 35.2% and 31.2% reduction in annual relapse rates for relapsing multiple sclerosis compared to Sanofi's Aubagio. The drug showed a favorable safety profile, potentially aiding market competition, according to STAT News.

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.