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[6-K] Novartis AG Current Report (Foreign Issuer)

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Novartis announced positive top-line results from two global Phase III trials (NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2) of ianalumab in adults with active Sjögren's disease. Both trials met the primary endpoint, demonstrating statistically significant improvements in systemic disease activity measured by reduction in ESSDAI versus placebo.

NEPTUNUS-1 enrolled 275 patients and NEPTUNUS-2 enrolled 504, evaluating ianalumab 300 mg subcutaneous monthly or every three months versus placebo for up to 52 weeks. Novartis reported ianalumab was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile, described the medicine as having dual B cell-directed activity, and said it plans to present the data and submit to health authorities globally. The program has FDA Fast Track designation, and the release notes there is no guarantee of approval or commercial success.

Novartis ha annunciato risultati top-line positivi di due studi globali di Fase III (NEPTUNUS-1 e NEPTUNUS-2) su ianalumab in adulti con malattia di Sjögren attiva. Entrambi gli studi hanno raggiunto l'endpoint primario, mostrando miglioramenti statisticamente significativi nell'attività sistemica della malattia, misurati come riduzione dell'ESSDAI rispetto a placebo.

NEPTUNUS-1 ha arruolato 275 pazienti e NEPTUNUS-2 504, valutando ianalumab 300 mg per via sottocutanea somministrato mensilmente o ogni tre mesi rispetto a placebo per un periodo fino a 52 settimane. Novartis ha riferito che ianalumab è stato ben tollerato con un profilo di sicurezza favorevole, ha descritto il farmaco come dotato di doppia attività diretta sulle cellule B e ha dichiarato l'intenzione di presentare i dati e sottoporre il dossier alle autorità sanitarie a livello globale. Il programma ha la designazione Fast Track della FDA; la nota precisa che non vi è garanzia di approvazione né di successo commerciale.

Novartis anunció resultados topline positivos de dos ensayos globales de fase III (NEPTUNUS-1 y NEPTUNUS-2) de ianalumab en adultos con enfermedad de Sjögren activa. Ambos ensayos alcanzaron el criterio de valoración primario, mostrando mejoras estadísticamente significativas en la actividad sistémica de la enfermedad, medidas por la reducción del ESSDAI frente a placebo.

NEPTUNUS-1 incluyó a 275 pacientes y NEPTUNUS-2 a 504, evaluando ianalumab 300 mg por vía subcutánea, administrado mensualmente o cada tres meses versus placebo durante hasta 52 semanas. Novartis informó que ianalumab fue bien tolerado y presentó un perfil de seguridad favorable, describió el fármaco como con actividad dual dirigida a las células B y manifestó su intención de presentar los datos y someter el expediente a las autoridades sanitarias a nivel mundial. El programa cuenta con la designación Fast Track de la FDA; la nota aclara que no existe garantía de aprobación ni de éxito comercial.

노바티스는 활성 쇼그렌 증후군 성인을 대상으로 한 두 건의 글로벌 3상 시험(NEPTUNUS-1 및 NEPTUNUS-2)에서 이안알루맙의 톱라인(주요 결과) 긍정적 결과를 발표했습니다. 두 연구 모두 1차 평가지표를 충족했으며, ESSDAI 감소로 측정한 전신 질환 활성도에서 위약 대비 통계적으로 유의한 개선을 보였습니다.

NEPTUNUS-1은 275명을 등록했고 NEPTUNUS-2는 504명을 등록했으며, 이안알루맙 300 mg을 피하주사로 매월 또는 3개월마다 투여하는 군을 최대 52주까지 위약과 비교 평가했습니다. 노바티스는 이안알루맙이 내약성이 좋고 안전성 프로파일이 양호했다고 보고했으며, 이 약물이 B세포를 이중으로 표적하는 기전을 갖고 있다고 설명하고 데이터 발표와 전 세계 규제당국 제출을 계획하고 있다고 밝혔습니다. 해당 프로그램은 FDA 패스트트랙 지정을 받았으며, 이번 발표가 승인 또는 상업적 성공을 보장하지는 않는다고 명시되어 있습니다.

Novartis a annoncé des résultats topline positifs de deux essais mondiaux de phase III (NEPTUNUS‑1 et NEPTUNUS‑2) portant sur l'ianalumab chez des adultes atteints de la maladie de Sjögren active. Les deux essais ont atteint le critère d'évaluation principal, montrant des améliorations statistiquement significatives de l'activité systémique de la maladie, mesurées par la réduction de l'ESSDAI par rapport au placebo.

NEPTUNUS‑1 a inclus 275 patients et NEPTUNUS‑2 504, évaluant l'ianalumab 300 mg par voie sous‑cutanée, administré mensuellement ou tous les trois mois, versus placebo pendant jusqu'à 52 semaines. Novartis a indiqué que l'ianalumab a été bien toléré, avec un profil d'innocuité favorable, a décrit le médicament comme ayant une double activité ciblant les cellules B et a déclaré son intention de présenter les données et de soumettre le dossier aux autorités de santé à l'échelle mondiale. Le programme bénéficie de la désignation Fast Track de la FDA ; le communiqué précise toutefois qu'il n'existe aucune garantie d'approbation ni de succès commercial.

Novartis gab positive Topline-Ergebnisse aus zwei globalen Phase‑III‑Studien (NEPTUNUS‑1 und NEPTUNUS‑2) mit ianalumab bei Erwachsenen mit aktiver Sjögren‑Erkrankung bekannt. Beide Studien erreichten den primären Endpunkt und zeigten statistisch signifikante Verbesserungen der systemischen Krankheitsaktivität, gemessen an einer Verringerung des ESSDAI im Vergleich zu Placebo.

NEPTUNUS‑1 rekrutierte 275 Patienten, NEPTUNUS‑2 504; untersucht wurde ianalumab 300 mg subkutan, monatlich oder alle drei Monate, gegenüber Placebo über einen Zeitraum von bis zu 52 Wochen. Novartis berichtete, dass ianalumab gut verträglich war und ein günstiges Sicherheitsprofil aufwies, beschrieb das Medikament als mit doppelter B‑Zell‑gerichteter Aktivität und kündigte an, die Daten zu präsentieren und weltweit bei den Gesundheitsbehörden einzureichen. Das Programm besitzt die Fast‑Track‑Designation der FDA; die Mitteilung weist darauf hin, dass dies keine Garantie für eine Zulassung oder einen kommerziellen Erfolg darstellt.

Positive
  • Both NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 met the primary endpoint, showing statistically significant reductions in ESSDAI versus placebo.
  • Robust trial sizes and dosing: NEPTUNUS-1 (N=275) and NEPTUNUS-2 (N=504) evaluated 300 mg s.c. monthly or every three months for up to 52 weeks.
  • Favorable safety: Novartis reported ianalumab was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile in Sjögren's disease.
  • Regulatory progress: Ianalumab has FDA Fast Track designation and Novartis plans global regulatory submissions and scientific presentations.
  • First-in-class potential: Company positions ianalumab as a potential first targeted treatment for Sjögren's disease, addressing an unmet medical need.
Negative
  • No guarantee of approval or commercial success: Novartis explicitly states there can be no guarantee ianalumab will be submitted, approved, or commercially successful.
  • Outcomes subject to further analysis and regulatory review: The company notes that additional analysis of clinical data and regulatory actions could materially affect results.
  • Commercial and reimbursement risks: The press release cites potential pricing, reimbursement and cost-containment pressures that could affect future revenues.

Insights

TL;DR: Phase III efficacy and tolerability are materially positive, but approval depends on full dataset review and regulatory evaluation.

The NEPTUNUS program met its primary endpoint across two pivotal trials using ESSDAI, which is the standard multi-dimensional measure of systemic Sjögren's activity. Reported sample sizes (N=275 and N=504) and the evaluated dosing regimens (300 mg s.c. monthly or every three months) suggest robust trial designs. Novartis' statement that ianalumab was well tolerated and has a favorable safety profile is encouraging, and the FDA Fast Track designation can accelerate interactions with regulators. Final impact will depend on complete data disclosure, safety detail, subgroup analyses and regulatory feedback during submission reviews.

TL;DR: Phase III success materially de-risks the program and could increase pipeline value, though approval and commercial execution remain uncertain.

Meeting primary endpoints in two global Phase III trials is a significant clinical milestone and supports Novartis' claim that ianalumab could become the first targeted therapy for Sjögren's disease, addressing a clear unmet need. The origin of the asset from the MorphoSys collaboration (acquired by Novartis) consolidates ownership. Near-term value catalysts include the full data presentation and regulatory submissions; downside risks flagged by the company include possible regulatory delays, further data analysis outcomes, pricing and reimbursement pressures, and the absence of any guarantee of approval or commercial success.

Novartis ha annunciato risultati top-line positivi di due studi globali di Fase III (NEPTUNUS-1 e NEPTUNUS-2) su ianalumab in adulti con malattia di Sjögren attiva. Entrambi gli studi hanno raggiunto l'endpoint primario, mostrando miglioramenti statisticamente significativi nell'attività sistemica della malattia, misurati come riduzione dell'ESSDAI rispetto a placebo.

NEPTUNUS-1 ha arruolato 275 pazienti e NEPTUNUS-2 504, valutando ianalumab 300 mg per via sottocutanea somministrato mensilmente o ogni tre mesi rispetto a placebo per un periodo fino a 52 settimane. Novartis ha riferito che ianalumab è stato ben tollerato con un profilo di sicurezza favorevole, ha descritto il farmaco come dotato di doppia attività diretta sulle cellule B e ha dichiarato l'intenzione di presentare i dati e sottoporre il dossier alle autorità sanitarie a livello globale. Il programma ha la designazione Fast Track della FDA; la nota precisa che non vi è garanzia di approvazione né di successo commerciale.

Novartis anunció resultados topline positivos de dos ensayos globales de fase III (NEPTUNUS-1 y NEPTUNUS-2) de ianalumab en adultos con enfermedad de Sjögren activa. Ambos ensayos alcanzaron el criterio de valoración primario, mostrando mejoras estadísticamente significativas en la actividad sistémica de la enfermedad, medidas por la reducción del ESSDAI frente a placebo.

NEPTUNUS-1 incluyó a 275 pacientes y NEPTUNUS-2 a 504, evaluando ianalumab 300 mg por vía subcutánea, administrado mensualmente o cada tres meses versus placebo durante hasta 52 semanas. Novartis informó que ianalumab fue bien tolerado y presentó un perfil de seguridad favorable, describió el fármaco como con actividad dual dirigida a las células B y manifestó su intención de presentar los datos y someter el expediente a las autoridades sanitarias a nivel mundial. El programa cuenta con la designación Fast Track de la FDA; la nota aclara que no existe garantía de aprobación ni de éxito comercial.

노바티스는 활성 쇼그렌 증후군 성인을 대상으로 한 두 건의 글로벌 3상 시험(NEPTUNUS-1 및 NEPTUNUS-2)에서 이안알루맙의 톱라인(주요 결과) 긍정적 결과를 발표했습니다. 두 연구 모두 1차 평가지표를 충족했으며, ESSDAI 감소로 측정한 전신 질환 활성도에서 위약 대비 통계적으로 유의한 개선을 보였습니다.

NEPTUNUS-1은 275명을 등록했고 NEPTUNUS-2는 504명을 등록했으며, 이안알루맙 300 mg을 피하주사로 매월 또는 3개월마다 투여하는 군을 최대 52주까지 위약과 비교 평가했습니다. 노바티스는 이안알루맙이 내약성이 좋고 안전성 프로파일이 양호했다고 보고했으며, 이 약물이 B세포를 이중으로 표적하는 기전을 갖고 있다고 설명하고 데이터 발표와 전 세계 규제당국 제출을 계획하고 있다고 밝혔습니다. 해당 프로그램은 FDA 패스트트랙 지정을 받았으며, 이번 발표가 승인 또는 상업적 성공을 보장하지는 않는다고 명시되어 있습니다.

Novartis a annoncé des résultats topline positifs de deux essais mondiaux de phase III (NEPTUNUS‑1 et NEPTUNUS‑2) portant sur l'ianalumab chez des adultes atteints de la maladie de Sjögren active. Les deux essais ont atteint le critère d'évaluation principal, montrant des améliorations statistiquement significatives de l'activité systémique de la maladie, mesurées par la réduction de l'ESSDAI par rapport au placebo.

NEPTUNUS‑1 a inclus 275 patients et NEPTUNUS‑2 504, évaluant l'ianalumab 300 mg par voie sous‑cutanée, administré mensuellement ou tous les trois mois, versus placebo pendant jusqu'à 52 semaines. Novartis a indiqué que l'ianalumab a été bien toléré, avec un profil d'innocuité favorable, a décrit le médicament comme ayant une double activité ciblant les cellules B et a déclaré son intention de présenter les données et de soumettre le dossier aux autorités de santé à l'échelle mondiale. Le programme bénéficie de la désignation Fast Track de la FDA ; le communiqué précise toutefois qu'il n'existe aucune garantie d'approbation ni de succès commercial.

Novartis gab positive Topline-Ergebnisse aus zwei globalen Phase‑III‑Studien (NEPTUNUS‑1 und NEPTUNUS‑2) mit ianalumab bei Erwachsenen mit aktiver Sjögren‑Erkrankung bekannt. Beide Studien erreichten den primären Endpunkt und zeigten statistisch signifikante Verbesserungen der systemischen Krankheitsaktivität, gemessen an einer Verringerung des ESSDAI im Vergleich zu Placebo.

NEPTUNUS‑1 rekrutierte 275 Patienten, NEPTUNUS‑2 504; untersucht wurde ianalumab 300 mg subkutan, monatlich oder alle drei Monate, gegenüber Placebo über einen Zeitraum von bis zu 52 Wochen. Novartis berichtete, dass ianalumab gut verträglich war und ein günstiges Sicherheitsprofil aufwies, beschrieb das Medikament als mit doppelter B‑Zell‑gerichteter Aktivität und kündigte an, die Daten zu präsentieren und weltweit bei den Gesundheitsbehörden einzureichen. Das Programm besitzt die Fast‑Track‑Designation der FDA; die Mitteilung weist darauf hin, dass dies keine Garantie für eine Zulassung oder einen kommerziellen Erfolg darstellt.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 or 15d-16 OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Report on Form 6-K dated August 11, 2025

(Commission File No. 1-15024)

 

____________________

 

Novartis AG

(Name of Registrant)

 

Lichtstrasse 35

4056 Basel

Switzerland

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

____________________

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F: ☒   Form 40-F: ☐

  

 

 

 

 

Novartis International AG

CH-4002 Basel
Switzerland

 

https://www.novartis.com

http://x.com/NovartisNews

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

Novartis announces both ianalumab Phase III clinical trials met primary endpoint in patients with Sjögren’s disease 

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 are the first ever global phase III trials to demonstrate statistically significant reduction in disease activity for Sjögren’s disease1 

Ianalumab has the potential to become the first and only targeted treatment approved for patients with Sjögren’s disease

Ianalumab was well tolerated and demonstrated a favorable safety profile in Sjögren's disease1,2

Novartis plans to present its data at an upcoming medical congress and submit to health authorities globally


Basel, August 11, 2025
– Novartis today announced positive top-line results from its Phase III trials evaluating ianalumab (VAY736) in adults with active Sjögren's disease. Both trials met the primary endpoint of demonstrating statistically significant improvements in disease activity1. These results support the potential for ianalumab, a drug with a dual mechanism of action, B-cell depletion and BAFF-R inhibition, to become the first targeted treatment for patients with Sjögren’s disease, a chronic, disabling autoimmune disease3,4,5

"Sjögren’s disease is a serious, progressive, systemic autoimmune disease, often unrecognized or misdiagnosed with a significant detrimental impact to quality of life, with very limited treatment options and an established unmet need. Both Phase III trials demonstrate that ianalumab improves disease activity in patients with Sjogren’s disease.” said Shreeram Aradhye, M.D., President of Development and Chief Medical Officer at Novartis. “These Phase III studies mark a significant milestone. We look forward to engaging with health authorities to discuss these findings in the near future.”   

The NEPTUNUS pivotal trials achieved the primary endpoint of improving disease activity measured by a reduction in EULAR Sjögren’s syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI), a multi-dimensional disease activity measurement compared to placebo1. Ianalumab was well tolerated and demonstrated a favorable safety profile in Sjögren's disease1,2.

 

 

Novartis plans to present the NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 data at an upcoming medical meeting and submit ianalumab, which was granted Fast Track Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to health authorities globally6

About ianalumab 
Ianalumab (VAY736) is a novel fully human monoclonal antibody being investigated for its potential to treat various B cell-driven autoimmune diseases, including Sjögren’s disease, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis (LN), warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc)3,7-13. Its mechanism of action targets B cells in two ways, namely combining B cell depletion via antibody-dependent cellular toxicity (ADCC) and interruption of BAFF- R mediated signals of B cell function and survival3. In clinical trials, ianalumab showed promising efficacy and a favorable safety profile in Sjögren’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and immune thrombocytopenia2,14,15. Ianalumab originates from an early collaboration with MorphoSys AG, a company which Novartis later acquired in 202416

About NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2  
The phase III clinical trials, NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2, are global, multicenter, pivotal studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of ianalumab in patients with Sjögren’s disease7,8. These trials were designed to provide comprehensive data on ianalumab's potential as a targeted treatment for Sjögren’s disease, in patients with active extraglandular disease.3,7,8.  

NEPTUNUS-1 is a randomized, double-blind, 2-arm multicenter phase III trial (N=275) to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ianalumab 300 mg subcutaneous (s.c.) monthly compared with placebo for 52 weeks7. NEPTUNUS-2 is a randomized, double-blind, 3-arm multicenter phase III trial (N=504) to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ianalumab 300 mg s.c. monthly or every 3 months compared with placebo for up to 52 weeks8.  

The primary endpoint was measured by improvements in systemic disease activity using ESSDAI (EULAR Sjögren’s syndrome disease activity index)7,8. Patients currently enrolled in NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 have been given the opportunity to continue follow-up in these studies or enter a long-term extension trial17.  

About Sjögren’s disease (previously called Sjögren’s syndrome) 
Sjögren’s disease is a systemic, chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and tissue damage, impacting the entire body4. It primarily affects exocrine glands, leading to excessive dryness, with over 90 percent of patients experiencing dry eyes and dry mouth4,18. The disease is heterogenous, patients experience dryness, fatigue and widespread pain and 30-40 percent of patients will also show extraglandular organ involvement5,19. Extraglandular manifestation can be very diverse and can affect skin, musculoskeletal system, kidneys, lungs and other organs19. The risk of lymphoma is increased in patients with Sjögren’s5.

Sjögren’s is one of the most prevalent rheumatic autoimmune diseases, affecting approximately 0.25 percent of the population with an estimated 50 percent undiagnosed 20-21. Sjögren’s is nine times more common in women than men4. B cell dysfunction plays a significant role in the disease by causing an autoimmune response that leads to inflammation and tissue damage3,4. There are no systemic treatments approved, with only limited symptomatic treatments available to provide temporary and partial symptomatic relief, highlighting the need for effective targeted therapies3

 

 

Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as “potential,” “can,” “will,” “plan,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “investigational,” “pipeline,” “upcoming,” “intends,” or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for ianalumab, or regarding potential future revenues from ianalumab. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that ianalumab will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that ianalumab will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding ianalumab could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis
Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide.

Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.

References

1.Novartis data on files
2.Bowman S et al, Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous ianalumab (VAY736) in patients with primary Sjogren’s syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b dose-finding trial, Lancet 2022; 399:161-71
3.Dorner T et al, Safety and Efficacy of ianalumab in patients with Sjogren’s disease:52-week results from a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2b dose-ranging study, Arhtritis and Rheumatology 2025, 77(5):560-570 
4.Negrini S et al, Sjogren’s syndrome: a systemic autoimmune disease, Clin Exp Med. 2022; 22(1): 9–25
5.Mariette, Primary Sjogren’s symptoms, New England Journal of Medecine, 2018, 378;10
6.VAY736, Department of health and human Services, Fast Track Designation, US Food and Drug Administration, 2025
7.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05350072 [Last accessed: August 2025] 
8.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT0539214 [Last accessed: August 2025]
9.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05653219 [Last accessed: August 2025] 
10.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05639114 [Last accessed: August 2025] 
11.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05126277 [Last accessed: August 2025] 
12.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05648968 [Last accessed: August 2025]  
13.ClinialTrials.gov NTC06470048 [Last accessed: August 2025] 
14.Phase 2 safety and efficacy of subcutaneous (s.c.) dose ianalumab (VAY736; Anti-BAFFR mAB) administered monthly over 28 weeks in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) of moderate-to-severe activity, ACR congress, available at : Phase 2 Safety and Efficacy of Subcutaneous (s.c.) Dose Ianalumab (VAY736; Anti-BAFFR mAb) Administered Monthly over 28 Weeks in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) of Moderate-to-Severe Activity - ACR Meeting Abstracts [Last accessed: August 2025] 
15.A Phase 2 Study of ianalumab in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia previously treater with at least two lines of therapy, EHA congress, available at: EHA Library - The official digital education library of European Hematology Association (EHA) [Last accessed: August 2025] 
16.Novartis to strengthen oncology pipeline with agreement to acquire Morphosys [AG Press release]. [Press release]. Available at: Novartis to strengthen oncology pipeline with agreement to acquire MorphoSys AG for EUR 68 per share or an aggregate of EUR 2.7bn in cash | Novartis [Last accessed: August 2025] 
17.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05985915 [Last accessed: August 2025] 

 

 

18.Maleki Fischbach- M, et al, Manifestations and management of Sjogren’s disease, Arthritis Res Ther. 2024;26(1):43 
19.Kerry Gairy et al, Burden of illness among subgroups of px with primary SjD and systemic involvement, Rheumatology 2021, Volume 60, Issue 4, April 2021, Pages 1871–1881
20.Conrad N, et al, Incidence, prevalence, and co-occurrence of autoimmune disorders over time and by age, sex, and socioeconomic status: a population-based cohort study of 22 millions individuals in the UK, Lancet. 2023;401(10391):1878-1890;  
21.Narváez J et al, Prevalence of Sjogren’s syndrome in the general adult population in Spain: estimating the proportion of undiagnosed cases, Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):10627 

 

Novartis Media Relations
E-mail: media.relations@novartis.com
   
Novartis Investor Relations
Central investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944
E-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  Novartis AG  
       
       
Date: August 11, 2025 By: /s/ PAUL PENEPENT  
  Name:  Paul Penepent  
  Title: Head of Financial Reporting and Accounting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAQ

What did Novartis announce about ianalumab (NVS)?

Novartis announced that both Phase III NEPTUNUS trials met the primary endpoint, showing statistically significant improvements in disease activity measured by ESSDAI versus placebo.

What was the primary endpoint in the NEPTUNUS trials?

The primary endpoint was improvement in systemic disease activity measured by ESSDAI (EULAR Sjögren's syndrome disease activity index) compared with placebo.

How many patients were enrolled and what dosing was tested?

NEPTUNUS-1 enrolled N=275 and NEPTUNUS-2 enrolled N=504; trials evaluated ianalumab 300 mg subcutaneous monthly or every three months versus placebo for up to 52 weeks.

What did Novartis report about safety?

Novartis stated ianalumab was well tolerated and demonstrated a favorable safety profile in the Sjögren's disease trials.

What are the next steps after these top-line results?

Novartis plans to present NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 data at a medical meeting and submit ianalumab to health authorities globally.

Does ianalumab have any expedited regulatory designation?

Yes. Ianalumab has been granted FDA Fast Track designation, as stated in the release.

Where did ianalumab originate?

Ianalumab originated from an early collaboration with MorphoSys AG, which Novartis later acquired in 2024.
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