Novartis

Legend Biotech names Novartis executive Ingrid Zhang CEO

Legend Biotech appointed Ingrid Zhang as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 15, 2026, with interim CEO Alan Bash becoming President of CARVYKTI. Zhang, a former Novartis executive and China head, brings broad global leadership experience from AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and McKinsey as the board positions Legend for its next growth phase.

Novartis Phase 3 Pelacarsen Trial Misses Cardiovascular Endpoint

Novartis reported that the Phase III Lp(a)HORIZON trial did not meet its primary endpoint, showing that lowering Lp(a) with pelacarsen reduced levels but did not significantly reduce cardiovascular events in approximately 8,000 patients on guideline-directed therapy; the company said full data will be presented at a future medical congress. Meanwhile, Royalty Pharma outlined its financial stance on the pelacarsen investment, noting the trial’s failure won’t derail its recovery of invested funds and that royalties on Spinraza remain a key part of its portfolio as it pursues its 2030 receipts target, with Ionis royalties potentially reverting after a defined cap. The developments reflect a broader scientific and market reevaluation of Lp(a)-targeted therapies and their commercial prospects.

European Shares Slip as Oil Fuels ECB Rate Bets

European stocks mostly drifted as oil prices surged on US-Iran tensions, pushing inflation fears and keeping bets on an ECB rate hike this week. Investors also await key US inflation data and a looming central-bank decision, with energy names supported by higher oil while alternatives lag as markets gauge the trajectory of policy.

Novartis MS pill beats Aubagio in two large phase 3 trials

Novartis reported positive Phase 3 REMODEL-1 and REMODEL-2 results for the BTK inhibitor remibrutinib in relapsing multiple sclerosis, showing lower annualized relapse rate and meaningful reductions in disability progression versus teriflunomide and prompting worldwide regulatory filings. With remibrutinib already approved for chronic spontaneous urticaria as Rhapsido, the drug’s MS potential could become a major growth driver given its favorable safety profile and strong early sales signals.

Novartis’s Latest Trial Setback Sinks Stock

Sandoz Henlius Expand Biosimilars Alliance to Ten Assets

Sandoz and Shanghai Henlius Biotech announced a strategic collaboration to develop and globally commercialize up to 10 monoclonal antibody and antibody-drug conjugate biosimilars outside China, with Henlius leading development and manufacturing and milestone-based total consideration potentially reaching USD 322 million. The initial deal covers cetuximab, evolocumab and belimumab biosimilars, expanding the partners’ biosimilars pipeline amid a broader push to capture a growing segment of the loss-of-exclusivity market.

XY Capital Expands Holdings Across Global Stocks

XY Capital Ltd disclosed new or increased positions across five companies in Q1: Novartis, Yum China, Infosys, MINISO Group Holding, and NIO, with specific share purchases ranging from roughly 8,770 to 444,350 shares and portfolio weights from about 2.7% to 8.8%. Yum China became XY Capital’s largest holding, while MINISO and NIO occupy mid-range positions as the firm expands its diversified equity exposure.