Novartis AG's Kisqali Emerges as a Blockbuster with Record Q2 Growth

Novartis AG's Kisqali sales surged 64% globally and 100% in the US in Q2 2025, positioning it as a potential blockbuster. The company is also expanding in nephrology with Vanrafia and Fabhalta approvals, and has a robust late-stage pipeline with 15 submission-enabling data readouts expected over the next two years.

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) reported robust financial performance for the second quarter of 2025, with sales growth of 11% in constant currency, driven by a significant increase in its core operating income and core margin. The company's core earnings per share (EPS) also improved by 24%, reaching $2.42. Free cash flow surged to $6.3 billion, up 37% in US dollars [1].

A key driver of this growth was the company's Kisqali (ribociclib) therapy, which saw sales surge 64% globally and 100% in the US in Q2 2025. Kisqali, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, targets metastatic breast cancer and has shown strong commercial momentum, positioning it as a potential blockbuster [2]. The drug's adoption in earlier lines of treatment for hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer and its strong performance in the US market have contributed significantly to Novartis' overall growth [3].

In addition to Kisqali, Novartis is expanding its presence in nephrology with the approval of Vanrafia (atrasentan) and Fabhalta (iptacopan). Vanrafia received FDA accelerated approval for reducing proteinuria in IgA nephropathy, while Fabhalta gained approval as an oral treatment for C3 glomerulopathy. These approvals further bolster Novartis' portfolio and signal the company's commitment to innovation in various therapeutic areas [2].

Looking ahead, Novartis expects 15 submission-enabling data readouts over the next two years, underscoring a robust late-stage pipeline. The company's full-year 2025 guidance indicates high single-digit sales growth and core operating income growth in the low teens [1]. This strong pipeline and growth trajectory position Novartis as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on delivering innovative treatments across oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular, and renal diseases.

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/novartis-ag-nvs-q2-2025-070638961.html
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kisqali-emerges-novartis-ag-nvs-222803693.html
[3] https://www.precisionmedicineonline.com/precision-oncology/novartis-lifts-full-year-forecast-amid-strong-performances-kisqali-pluvicto-q2