Novartis and Novo Nordisk report cardiovascular trial failures for pelacarsen and ziltivekimab
Novartis announced that its Lp(a)-lowering drug pelacarsen cut lipoprotein(a) by 78% in an 8,323‑patient trial but showed no reduction in heart attacks, strokes or cardiovascular death. Novo Nordisk reported that its IL‑6‑targeting antibody ziltivekimab lowered IL‑6 by 76% and hs‑CRP by 64% in a 6,376‑patient trial, yet the hazard ratio for major cardiovascular events was 0.99, indicating no benefit over placebo.
Why it matters
The companies said they will halt further development of both drugs, removing any near‑term revenue opportunity. Novo Nordisk also recorded a DKK 4.6 billion impairment related to the ziltivekimab failure, which will depress its earnings and may weigh on its stock price.
Key facts
- 1Pelacarsen reduced lipoprotein(a) levels by 78% in the Lp(a)HORIZON trial. medicaldaily.com
- 2The pelacarsen trial enrolled 8,323 patients and showed no difference in major cardiovascular events between drug and placebo. medicaldaily.com
- 3Ziltivekimab lowered interleukin‑6 by 76% and hs‑CRP by 64% in the ZEUS trial. techtimes.com
- 4The ZEUS trial enrolled 6,376 patients and reported a hazard ratio of 0.99 for major cardiovascular events. techtimes.com
- 5Novo Nordisk recorded a DKK 4.6 billion impairment after discontinuing ziltivekimab development. european-biotechnology.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 9 of 9 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.