Novartis Drops 4.31% Amid Autoimmune Market Concerns

On April 7, 2025, Novartis experienced a 4.31% 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.

Novartis's Cosentyx, a key product in its autoimmune portfolio, has shown strong performance with a 25% year-over-year sales increase in 2024, reaching $6.14 billion. The drug is approved for multiple indications, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Novartis is expanding Cosentyx's indications, with Phase III trial 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, an MRGPRX2 antagonist, to further strengthen its position in the autoimmune sector.

Novartis is also focusing on expanding its presence in China, where it has seen significant growth. The company's new drug applications, such as Inclisiran for hypercholesterolemia and Fexinidazole for C3 glomerulopathy, have been well-received. Novartis is also investing in a new radiopharmaceutical production facility in China, demonstrating its commitment to the Chinese market. The company's efforts to expand its product portfolio and increase its market share in China are expected to drive future growth.