Novartis reports NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 achieved primary objective

Novartis (NVS) presented new ianalumab data in Sjogren’s disease at a late-breaker presentation during the American College of Rheumatology Convergence congress. Ianalumab 300 mg monthly delivered a clinically meaningful benefit in the global NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 Phase 3 trials, showing both improvement in disease activity and reductions in patient burden, the company reported. Compared to placebo, ianalumab achieved a numerically greater reduction in disease activity by Week 16 with improvements sustained through Week 52 as measured by the EULAR Sjogren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index. Novartis plans to submit to health authorities globally in early 2026, the company noted. “Today’s results reinforce our confidence that ianalumab has the potential to transform the treatment of this complex disease where no targeted medications currently exist,” said Shreeram Aradhye, M.D., President of Development and Chief Medical Officer at Novartis. “We look forward to working with health authorities globally to bring this innovation to people with Sjogren’s disease, the second most prevalent rheumatic autoimmune disease.”