Novartis Trial Setback

Novartis heart disease drug pelacarsen fails final-stage trial, causing stock drop

Novartis AG's drug, pelacarsen, failed to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in a final-stage trial, marking a major setback for a new approach to prevent cardiovascular disease. The drug, designed to lower levels of lipoprotein(a), a largely genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease that affects roughly one in five people worldwide, did not significantly reduce cardiovascular deaths, heart attacks, and strokes compared to placebo. The results led to a 7% drop in Novartis' U.S.-listed stock, which had risen 16% this year through the close of regular trading. However, it is unclear whether the drug will lead to a reduction in major cardiovascular events. The trial was seen as a bellwether for the drug industry, where several other companies are developing similar treatments.