Novartis Shares Climb 1.46% on Positive Phase III Trial Results for Sjögren’s Drug Trading Volume Surges 67% to 334th Rank

Novartis (NVS) shares rose 1.46% on August 11, with a trading volume of $0.31 billion, marking a 67.16% increase from the previous day and ranking 334th in the market. The stock’s performance followed the company’s announcement of positive Phase III clinical trial results for ianalumab in treating Sjögren’s disease.

Novartis reported that both NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 trials met their primary endpoints, demonstrating statistically significant reductions in disease activity for Sjögren’s patients. Ianalumab, a dual-mechanism therapy combining B-cell depletion and BAFF-R inhibition, showed a favorable safety profile and is now positioned to become the first targeted treatment for the condition. The drug, which previously received Fast Track Designation from the FDA, will be submitted to global health authorities and presented at an upcoming medical congress.

Sjögren’s disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder with limited treatment options, affects over 0.25% of the global population. Novartis emphasized the unmet need for systemic therapies, highlighting ianalumab’s potential to address this gap. The trials, conducted in patients with active extraglandular disease, involved 779 participants and provided robust data to support regulatory submissions. The company noted that ianalumab originated from its 2024 acquisition of MorphoSys AG, underscoring its commitment to advancing autoimmune disease treatments.

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