Novartis Drops 2.45% Amid Autoimmune Drug Concerns

On April 7, 2025, Novartis experienced a 2.45% drop in pre-market trading, reflecting investor concerns and market dynamics.

Novartis has a history of targeting top-selling drugs in the autoimmune sector. Recently, the company initiated a Phase III study comparing its drug Remibrutinib to Dupixent, a leading autoimmune treatment. This strategy has been successful in the past, with Novartis's Cosentyx outperforming competitors like AbbVie's Humira and Johnson & Johnson's Stelara in psoriasis treatment. However, Novartis has yet to secure a top spot in the autoimmune market, with its 2024 revenue falling short of the top three competitors. The company is now focusing on developing a blockbuster drug with annual sales exceeding $100 billion to compete with industry leaders like AbbVie, Johnson & Johnson, and Sanofi.

Novartis's Cosentyx, a key product in its autoimmune portfolio, has shown strong market performance, with sales growing by 25% in 2024. The drug is approved for multiple indications, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Novartis is expanding Cosentyx's indications, with Phase III results for polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis expected in 2025. The company has also introduced Remibrutinib, a novel BTK inhibitor, to challenge Dupixent in the chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) market. Additionally, Novartis acquired KRP-M223, a MRGPRX2 antagonist, to further strengthen its position in the autoimmune sector.

Novartis is also making strides in China, with several new drug approvals and a growing market presence. The company's Inclisiran, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy for lowering LDL cholesterol, has been approved in multiple countries, including China. Novartis is also expanding its production capabilities in China, with plans to build a new radiopharmaceutical production facility. The company's efforts in China are part of a broader strategy to increase its global market share and provide innovative treatments to patients worldwide.