- Novartis AG's (NYSE: NVS) investigational oral monotherapy iptacopan was superior to anti-C5 therapies (eculizumab or ravulizumab) in adults with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).
- The Phase 3 APPLY-PNH trial analyzed the patients experiencing residual anemia despite prior treatment with anti-C5s1.
- PNH is a rare blood disorder characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, blood clots, and impaired bone marrow function.
- Topline results showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful increase in the proportion of patients treated with iptacopan (200 mg twice daily) achieving hemoglobin-level increases of 2 g/dL or more from baseline without needing blood transfusions at 24 weeks, compared to anti-C5 therapies.
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- Additionally, there was a statistically significant and clinically meaningful increase in the proportion of patients in the iptacopan arm achieving hemoglobin levels of 12 g/dL or more without needing blood transfusions at 24 weeks, compared to anti-C5 therapies.
- Iptacopan was well tolerated, with a favorable safety profile consistent with previously reported data.
- Iptacopan is also being studied in complement-inhibitor-naïve patients with PNH in the ongoing Phase 3 APPOINT-PNH trial, expected to read out in the coming months.
- Price Action: NVS shares are up 0.32% at $77.35 during the premarket session on the last check Monday.