Novartis Jumps 6% as MS Drug Meets Goals in Two Phase 3 Trials

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Novartis shares surged about 6% to $161.10 on Tuesday after its oral drug remibrutinib met primary goals in two Phase 3 trials for multiple sclerosis, showing fewer relapses and brain lesions than teriflunomide without the liver-safety concerns investors had feared. The company also reported that pooled results indicated slower disability progression, potentially giving remibrutinib another edge in a large treatment market. The drug, already sold as Rhapsido for chronic hives, generated only $64 million in second-quarter sales, but full results are due in October, with global regulatory submissions to follow. At $161.10, Novartis trades 23.13% above its GF Value estimate of $130.84, reflecting high investor expectations. The rally also distinguishes remibrutinib from eight suspended rap-cel studies after three deaths linked to severe immune reactions, with two deaths in the remibrutinib trials ruled unrelated to treatment.

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Remibrutinib met primary goals in two Phase 3 trials for MS, showing efficacy and safety.

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