Novartis Shares Rise 3.3% on Kidney Drug Approvals

On April 3, 2025, Novartis shares rose by 3.3% in pre-market trading, reflecting positive market sentiment towards the company's recent developments and strategic initiatives.

Novartis has made significant strides in the kidney disease treatment sector. The company's oral medication, Fexdaparin® (Iptacopan), received approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for treating adult patients with C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) to reduce proteinuria. This approval marks a significant milestone for Novartis, as it is the first and only selective drug targeting the underlying cause of C3G, helping patients control proteinuria and stabilize eGFR. This is the first kidney disease-related indication approved in China for Novartis, following its approval for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).

Novartis has also expanded its portfolio with the approval of Atrasentan (Vanrafia) by the FDA for reducing proteinuria in adults with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). This approval is significant as it is the first and only selective oral endothelin A receptor antagonist for this indication. The approval is based on interim results from the Phase III ALIGN study, which showed a 36.1% reduction in proteinuria compared to placebo. This approval positions Novartis as a leader in kidney care transformation, with three FDA approvals for its renal portfolio within a year.