NOVARTIS

Novartis reported that del-desiran failed to meet the primary endpoint in a late-stage myotonic dystrophy trial, compounding a recent late-stage failure of pelacarsen and undermining key growth drivers from its Avidity acquisition. Management said it is evaluating the full dataset and will engage regulators, while reaffirming a 5%–6% annual sales-growth target through 2030. A successful remibrutinib program and other pipeline assets are now critical to offsetting upcoming patent expirations and restoring investor confidence. » Mere på finance.yahoo.com

Artisan manager David Samra is demanding personnel consequences in the Novartis board after the failure of a late‑stage study for a drug acquired in the $12‑billion takeover of Avidity and disappointing results for Pelacarsen. He criticizes the acquisition control processes, calls for a reform of the compensation structure and improvements to the team that reviews acquisitions. Novartis is maintaining its financial guidance, points to a broad pipeline and emphasizes disciplined capital allocation; the stock rose in pre-market trading. » Mere på de.investing.com

Deutsche Bank Research has downgraded Novartis from "Buy" to "Hold" and reduced the price target from 140 to 120 francs. The move follows setbacks in studies of pelacarsen and del‑desiran; the latter is less commercially significant but calls into question the justification for Avidity’s $12 billion takeover. Analyst Emmanuel Papadakis sees this creating uncertainty for Novartis ahead of patent expiries such as Cosenty, Kisqali and Kesimpta in the early 2030s. » Mere på finanzen.net