Novartis ends mid-stage Fabhalta trial in lupus nephritis for strategic reasons

Novartis has ended a mid-stage study of Fabhalta (iptacopan) for lupus nephritis, a serious kidney inflammation caused by lupus, citing “strategic considerations.” The trial was testing the oral drug alongside standard care and was stopped after its first part; the clinical-trial registry provided no further explanation and did not say whether safety or effectiveness concerns played a role. Fabhalta is already approved for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and two other kidney diseases, IgA nephropathy and C3 glomerulopathy.