US Stock Movement | Novartis (NVS.US) rises over 5% after successful late-stage trial of oral MS drug

According to Golden Ten Data APP, on Tuesday, Novartis (NVS.US) surged more than 5%, closing at $160.82. News reported that Novartis stated the trial results showed patients treated with remibrutinib experienced reduced relapse rates and fewer brain lesions compared to those treated with teriflunomide, with no liver safety signals observed.

This drug is expected to provide Novartis with a new oral treatment for multiple sclerosis and become the successor to its blockbuster Kesimpta portfolio. The results further reinforce the market prospects for BTK inhibitors, which aim to suppress harmful immune responses in the disease. Previously, similar drugs from Sanofi and Merck failed to outperform teriflunomide in late-stage trials regarding relapse rate. The drug may also intensify competition with Roche.

Novartis plans to submit applications worldwide for remibrutinib's approval as a treatment for multiple sclerosis, with detailed results to be disclosed at a medical conference in Toronto later this year. The drug is already approved in the US and Europe for chronic spontaneous urticaria, a skin condition characterized by recurring hives.