Novartis abandoning Ionis heart drug post trial setback (NVS)
Novartis (NVS) will halt development of a heart disease drug discovered by Ionis (IONS) after it failed in a late-stage trial in September, according to Bloomberg.
IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS INC
Ionis Pharmaceuticals develops RNA-targeted medicines for people with serious diseases, focusing on neurology, cardiometabolic diseases and select areas of high patient need. Its portfolio includes seven marketed medicines: TRYNGOLZA, DAWNZERA, WAINUA, SPINRAZA, QALSODY, TEGSEDI and WAYLIVRA. Ionis independently commercializes TRYNGOLZA and DAWNZERA in the U.S.; it shares U.S. commercialization of WAINUA with AstraZeneca. Partners commercialize several other medicines, while Ionis sells TEGSEDI and WAYLIVRA in Europe through a distribution agreement with Sobi and licenses their commercialization in parts of Latin America. The company also develops wholly owned and partnered investigational medicines, including candidates in late- and mid-stage development. Ionis makes money from product sales and royalties, with commercialization handled independently, jointly with partners, or by partners under licensing and collaboration arrangements. It is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.
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Novartis (NVS) will halt development of a heart disease drug discovered by Ionis (IONS) after it failed in a late-stage trial in September, according to Bloomberg.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) reports Q3 earnings on November 4. Analysts expect a loss of $1.21 per share on revenue of $183.12M, down from Q2. Tryngolza, approved in June 2026, shows early momentum but the stock has fallen 46% this year. Analysts maintain a bullish outlook with a mean price target of $84.13. Investors will focus on Tryngolza's prescription trends and sales guidance, as well as pipeline progress and GSK's Hibsago approval.
GSK's Hibsago (bepirovirsen) approved in Canada for chronic hepatitis B, offering a finite treatment option. Approval based on Phase III trials showing 19-26% functional cure rates. Targets 262,000 Canadians with chronic hepatitis B, a leading cause of liver cancer. Supply expected in early 2027.
Over the past 7 days, AlphAI's AI scored 6 news stories mentioning IONS (IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS INC). Coverage has skewed bearish: 1 bullish, 1 neutral, and 4 bearish.
Recent IONS coverage spans regulation, technology and financial news.
In the last 30 days, IONS insiders filed 2 SEC Form 4 transactions — no purchases and 2 sales ($61K). The most active reporter was Swayze Eric, EVP Research, with 1 filing.
Failure of its lead candidate may cause share price drop.
Near-term trading hinges on Q3 print and any commentary on Tryngolza ramp, payer coverage, and 2026 sales guidance.
Ionis may benefit from royalty streams and heightened visibility from the Canadian approval.
Guidance may support Ionis’s antisense gene‑therapy programs.
Approval should be viewed as a positive catalyst for Ionis, supporting valuation via de-risked clinical development and potential revenue ramp.
AlphAI scores every news story that mentions IONS with an AI model for sentiment and relevance, and aggregates insider trades from IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS INC's SEC EDGAR Form 4 filings. Figures refresh continuously.
Novartis (NVS) will halt development of a heart disease drug discovered by Ionis (IONS) after it failed in a late-stage trial in September, according to Bloomberg.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) reports Q3 earnings on November 4. Analysts expect a loss of $1.21 per share on revenue of $183.12M, down from Q2. Tryngolza, approved in June 2026, shows early momentum but the stock has fallen 46% this year. Analysts maintain a bullish outlook with a mean price target of $84.13. Investors will focus on Tryngolza's prescription trends and sales guidance, as well as pipeline progress and GSK's Hibsago approval.
GSK's Hibsago (bepirovirsen) approved in Canada for chronic hepatitis B, offering a finite treatment option. Approval based on Phase III trials showing 19-26% functional cure rates. Targets 262,000 Canadians with chronic hepatitis B, a leading cause of liver cancer. Supply expected in early 2027.
The FDA issued draft guidance to accelerate personalized gene therapies for rare diseases, offering regulatory clarity for developers. The move aims to streamline approval processes for tailored treatments, benefiting companies like Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (RARE).
The FDA has approved zilganersen (Zanvastro), the first drug to treat Alexander disease, a rare neurological disorder. Developed by Ionis Pharmaceuticals, the drug reduces GFAP production. Clinical trials showed stabilization or improvement in motor skills, with mild to moderate side effects. The drug is administered via spinal injection every three months.
Roche, partnering with Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS), reported Phase 3 data showing sefaxersen reduced proteinuria by 43.1% in IgA nephropathy patients. The treatment was well-tolerated, and Roche aims to submit data to health authorities. Ionis stands to receive milestone payments and royalties. IgAN is a progressive kidney disease with limited treatment options.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) and Roche reported Phase 3 trial results for sefaxersen, showing a 43.1% reduction in proteinuria in IgA nephropathy patients. The reduction was statistically significant. The study enrolled 459 patients and will continue to evaluate kidney function over two years. Ionis may receive milestone payments and royalties.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals received FDA orphan drug designation for a rare epilepsy treatment. The company's stock has declined 45% in 2026. According to the article, Arnab Paul has no position in the stock.
Analysts updated ratings and price targets for several companies. Block (SQ) was upgraded to outperform with a target raised to $101. Halliburton (HAL) was upgraded to buy with a target increased to $40. Tesla (TSLA) was upgraded to hold with a target raised to $400. Other companies mentioned include Qiagen (QGEN), CoreWeave (CWV), and Meta (META).
Novartis's pelacarsen, co-developed with Ionis Pharmaceuticals, failed to reduce cardiovascular events despite lowering Lp(a) levels in a Phase 3 trial. The results challenge the Lp(a) targeting thesis and may impact other programs like olpasiran and lepodisiran. Analysts had forecasted $6B in peak annual U.S. sales for pelacarsen.