Novartis Shares Soar 3.31% on Kidney Drug Approvals

On April 3, 2025, Novartis shares rose by 3.31% 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, Fexinidazole (salted Iptacopan capsules), has received approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for treating adult 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 cause of C3G, helping patients control proteinuria and stabilize eGFR. This is the second indication for Fexinidazole in China, 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 adult patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) who are at risk of disease progression. This approval positions Novartis as a leader in kidney care, offering a potent and selective endothelin A receptor antagonist that can be added to current supportive therapies to reduce persistent proteinuria and protect kidney function.