Novartis (NYSE:NVS) Bolsa

Novartis

Novartis develops and manufactures innovative drugs. The firm's key areas of drug development include oncology, rare diseases, neuroscience, immunology, respiratory, cardio-metabolic, and established medicines. The company sells its products globally, with the United States comprising close to one third of total revenue.

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Monte Rosa Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLUE#NASDAQ">GLUE</a>) on Thursday revealed clinical results from its MRT-6160 Phase 1 single ascending dose/multiple ascending <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dose (SAD/MAD) study</a>.
The study objectives were to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, including VAV1 degradation and its impact on T and B cell function <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/g44413112/monte-rosa-therapeutics-announces-fourth-quarter-2024-financial-results-and-provides-corporate-upd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following ex vivo stimulation</a>.
Results demonstrated sustained, dose-dependent VAV1 degradation of greater than 90% in peripheral blood T cells after single and multiple dose administration. Similar results were observed in peripheral blood B cells.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/03/44380787/fda-grants-fast-track-review-to-johnson-johnsons-nipocalimab-for-autoimmune-disorder-that-affects-tears-saliva" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA Grants Fast Track Review To Johnson &amp; Johnson&#8217;s Nipocalimab For Autoimmune Disorder That Affects Tears, Saliva</a>
Sustained suppression of TCR-mediated T and B cell activation measured by CD69 was observed following single and multiple dose administration and&nbsp;ex vivo&nbsp;activation of whole blood.
<ul>
<li>MRT-6160 also inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by up to 99% from whole blood-derived T cells following&nbsp;ex vivo&nbsp;activation of TCR. It demonstrated significant and sustained attenuation of IL-6 production across dose levels following B cell stimulation.</li>
<li>The administration of MRT-6160 was generally well-tolerated, and no serious adverse effects were observed.</li>
<li>The current Phase 1 data and chronic toxicology package support a clear path into anticipated Phase 2 studies and broad potential applications in multiple immune-mediated diseases.</li>
</ul>
Further development of MRT-6160 toward Phase 2 studies is ongoing in collaboration with Novartis AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>).
In October 2024, Monte Rosa Therapeutics announced a global exclusive development and commercialization license agreement with&nbsp;Novartis&nbsp;to advance VAV1 MGDs,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41573834/why-is-monte-rosa-therapeutics-stock-surging-on-monday" rel="noreferrer noopener">including MRT-6160</a>.
Novartis has agreed to pay Monte Rosa $150 million upfront. Monte Rosa is eligible to receive up to $2.1 billion in development, regulatory and sales milestones, beginning upon initiation of Phase 2 studies and tiered royalties on ex-U.S. net sales.
The company says cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities as of Dec. 31, 2024, of $377 million is expected to provide a cash runway into 2028.
GLUE Price Action: Monte Rosa Therapeutics stock is up 5.11% at $7.04 at publication Thursday.
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</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Biotech

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General

GLUE

Novartis Partner Monte Rosa Therapeutics Touts Positive Data From Early-Stage Study Of Investigational Drug Candidate For Immune-Mediated Disorders

Legal

Ird Nvs pus Genetics Inc Filed Complaint For Patent Infringement Of Certain Ryzumvi Patents Against Sandoz In District Of New Jersey; Complaint Seeks, Among Other Relief, Equitable Relief Enjoining Sandoz From Infringing Ryzumvi Patents

On Wednesday, Novartis AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>) announced safety and efficacy results from the Phase 3 program for investigational intrathecal onasemnogene abeparvovec (OAV101 IT) in a broad population of patients aged two to &lt;18 years with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care" rel="noreferrer noopener">spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)</a>.
In the Phase 3 STEER study, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/new-novartis-phase-iii-data-demonstrate-meaningful-efficacy-and-safety-results-intrathecal-onasemnogene-abeparvovec-broad-patient-population-sma" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment</a> with OAV101 IT led to a statistically significant 2.39-point improvement on the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE), an assessment of motor ability and disease progression, vs. 0.51 points in the sham control arm.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/02/43629559/novartis-to-beef-up-heart-disease-offering-with-3-billion-blackstone-backed-anthos-therapeutics-deal" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novartis To Beef Up Heart Disease Offering With $3 Billion Blackstone-Backed Anthos Therapeutics Deal</a>
Novartis <a target="_blank" href="https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-intrathecal-onasemnogene-abeparvovec-phase-iii-study-meets-primary-endpoint-children-and-young-adults-sma" rel="noreferrer noopener">released</a> topline data from the Phase 3 STEER study in December 2024.
In the Phase 3b STRENGTH study, treatment with OAV101 IT in patients who have discontinued treatment with Biogen Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIIB#NASDAQ">BIIB</a>) Spinraza (nusinersen) or Roche Holdings AG&#8217;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RHHBY#OTC">RHHBY</a>) Evrysdi (risdiplam) demonstrated stabilization of motor function over 52 weeks of follow-up.
The results add to the growing body of evidence within the OAV101 IT development program, which has evaluated a broad population of over 170 patients with SMA, spanning a total of over 6.4 years across the STEER, STRENGTH, and Phase 1/2 STRONG studies.
OAV101 IT is an investigational gene replacement therapy designed to directly address the genetic root cause of the disease by replacing the nonworking&nbsp;SMN1 gene with a single dose.
In the registrational STEER study, efficacy and safety were studied in treatment naïve patients with SMA Type 2, aged two to less than 18 years, who could sit but had never walked independently. Key findings:
<ul>
<li>The trial met its primary endpoint of change from baseline to 52 weeks in HFMSE score, with OAV101 IT demonstrating a statistically significant 2.39-point improvement on the HFMSE vs 0.51 points in the sham group.</li>
<li>All secondary endpoints consistently favor OAV101 IT, despite not achieving statistical significance due to the pre-planned multiple testing procedure.</li>
</ul>
The open-label Phase 3b STRENGTH study evaluated the safety, tolerability and efficacy of OAV101 IT in patients with SMA aged two to less than 18 years who had discontinued treatment with nusinersen or risdiplam.&nbsp;Key findings:
<ul>
<li>OAV101 IT demonstrated a favorable safety profile that was consistent with the STEER study.</li>
<li>The motor endpoint of efficacy, HFMSE, demonstrated stabilization for the overall study population over 52 weeks. The increase from baseline to 52 weeks in HFMSE least squares (LS) total score was 1.05.</li>
</ul>
Price Action: NVS stock is down 0.75% at $111.38 at the last check Wednesday.
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Large Cap

BIIB

RHHBY

Novartis New Data From Single-Dose Gene Therapy Shows Meaningful Efficacy, Safety In Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy

<a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Pharmaceuticals/Novartis-sees-radioactive-cancer-drugs-becoming-10bn-business-CEO" title="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Pharmaceuticals/Novartis-sees-radioactive-cancer-drugs-becoming-10bn-business-CEO">https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Pharmaceuticals/Novartis-sees-radioactive-cancer-drugs-becoming-10bn-business-CEO</a>

'Novartis Sees Radioactive Cancer Drugs Becoming $10B Business: CEO' - Nikkei Asia

Telemedicine operator Teladoc Health Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDOC#NYSE">TDOC</a>) has entered a pharmacy integration agreement with Eli Lilly And Co's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) LillyDirect, a direct-to-consumer pharmacy partner, to streamline access to Zepbound (tirzepatide) for members of Teladoc's Comprehensive <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/weight-loss" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weight Care Program</a>.
Last year, Eli Lilly&nbsp;announced a&nbsp;new&nbsp;website allowing patients to get a prescription for weight loss through a telehealth provider,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/05/38798101/pfizer-follows-eli-lillys-footsteps-to-sell-medicines-directly-to-patients" rel="noreferrer noopener">marking an industry first</a>.
The collaboration aims to provide affordable and safe options for individuals without insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/g44164208/teladoc-health-adds-glp-1-self-pay-option-to-comprehensive-weight-care" rel="noreferrer noopener">used for obesity treatment</a>.
Under the agreement, eligible Teladoc Health members prescribed Zepbound by their provider will have the medication delivered directly to their homes via LillyDirect's digital healthcare platform.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42970274/teladoc-shares-surge-as-amazon-partnership-fuels-push-for-consumer-centric-healthcare" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teladoc Stock Gains As Amazon Partnership Fuels Push for Consumer-Centric Healthcare</a>
Teladoc's Comprehensive Weight Care and Primary360 teams will have full visibility into each stage of the fulfillment process, including dispensing, shipping, delivery, and refills.
Beyond medication access, Teladoc's Comprehensive Weight Care Program offers a multi-disciplinary approach to obesity management. Members receive support from licensed clinicians with specialized training in obesity medicine, registered dietitians, and health coaches.
Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>)&nbsp;recently introduced&nbsp;NovoCare Pharmacy, a direct-to-patient delivery service to improve access to Wegovy (semaglutide) for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44143391/novo-nordisk-boosts-wegovy-access-with-lower-pricing-and-home-delivery" rel="noreferrer noopener">cash-paying patients</a>.
In February, Teladoc reported fourth-quarter revenue&nbsp;of $640.5 million, down 3% year over year, almost in line with the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/g43989576/teladoc-health-reports-full-year-and-fourth-quarter-2024-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus estimates</a>.
Price Action: TDOC stock is up 8.02% at $9.75 at the last check Thursday.
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Photo by Ciara Kimsey via Shutterstock

Contracts

TDOC

Teladoc Health Partners With Eli Liily's LillyDirect to Expand Access to Zepbound For Weight Loss

<a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Pharmaceuticals/Novartis-to-mass-produce-next-generation-cancer-drugs-in-Japan" title="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Pharmaceuticals/Novartis-to-mass-produce-next-generation-cancer-drugs-in-Japan">https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Pharmaceuticals/Novartis-to-mass-produce-next-generation-cancer-drugs-in-Japan</a>

Global

'Novartis To Mass Produce Next-Generation Cancer Drugs In Japan' - Nikkei Asia

Roche Holdings AG (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RHHBY#OTC">RHHBY</a>) released data Sunday on its Stage 2 and Stage 3 of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored phase 3 OUtMATCH study for Xolair (omalizumab) for one or more food allergies.
Stage 2 of the OUtMATCH study showed Xolair was more effective with fewer side effects than multi-allergen oral immunotherapy (OIT) in the first-ever head-to-head trial comparing the two treatment approaches.
<ul>
<li>In the first head-to-head trial comparing Xolair to OIT, the <a href="https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-03-02" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> met its primary endpoint, showing 36% of food allergy patients treated with Xolair monotherapy could tolerate at least 2,000 mg of peanut protein and two other food allergens without experiencing an allergic reaction, compared to 19% in the OIT group.</li>
<li>These findings were largely driven by the high rates of adverse events (AEs) in the OIT group.</li>
<li>Serious AEs (30.5% for OIT vs. 0% for Xolair), AEs leading to treatment discontinuation (22% vs. 0%), and AEs treated with epinephrine (37.3% vs. 6.9%) were all more common in the OIT group.</li>
</ul>
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/12/42597251/roche-prothena-partnered-mid-stage-parkinsons-trial-misses-primary-endpoint-but-cling-on-signs-of-clinical-benefits" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roche-Prothena Partnered Mid-Stage Parkinson&#8217;s Trial Misses Primary Endpoint, But Cling On Signs Of Clinical Benefits</a>
Additionally, preliminary results from Stage 3 of the OUtMATCH study provide early data on introducing allergenic foods into a patient&#8217;s diet after stopping Xolair.
Stage 3 is ongoing, and study investigators continue to analyze data from additional patients who completed Stage 2 and then entered Stage 3.
In the US, Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, and Novartis AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>) are co-developing and co-promoting Xolair.
Last February, the FDA approved Xolair for reducing allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to one or more foods in adult and pediatric patients aged 1 year and older <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/02/b37182116/fda-approves-xolair-as-first-and-only-medicine-for-children-and-adults-with-one-or-more-food-aller" rel="noreferrer noopener">with IgE-mediated food allergy</a>.
Price Action: RHHBY stock closed at $41.74 on Friday.
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</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Roche Touts Food Allergy Drug As Superior Than Oral Immunotherapy

Novartis Announces Presentation Of 17 Abstracts At 2025 AAAAI/WAO And AAD Meetings, Featuring Phase III REMIX-1/2 Data On Remibrutinib For Chronic Urticaria, Long-Term Cosentyx Data In Hidradenitis Suppurativa, And Phase II Patient Outcomes For Remibrutinib In HS

A federal court rejected Novartis Pharmaceuticals&#8217;, a unit of Novartis AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>) legal challenge to the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, ruling that the program does not violate constitutional protections against excessive fines, unlawful takings, or compelled speech.
The court determined that pharmaceutical manufacturers are not legally required to participate in the program, and those that do must adhere to its terms.
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For over 30 years, Congress has imposed price ceilings on prescription drugs purchased by federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
These agencies also have the authority to negotiate prices below these limits. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 expanded this model by granting the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) similar authority to negotiate prices for Medicare-covered drugs that lack generic competition and constitute a significant portion of Medicare spending.
Under the law, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) can negotiate prices for high-expenditure drugs. Manufacturers who disagree with the program&#8217;s terms or the proposed pricing are not legally obligated to participate.
Novartis, however, <a target="_blank" href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca3.123657/gov.uscourts.ca3.123657.25.0_1.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">argued</a> that the program imposed unconstitutional burdens, challenging it on three grounds: that it violated the Eighth Amendment&#8217;s prohibition on excessive fines, the Fifth Amendment&#8217;s protection against takings without just compensation, and the First Amendment&#8217;s ban on compelled speech.
The court dismissed Novartis&#8217; Eighth Amendment claim, citing the Anti-Injunction Act, which prevents lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of a tax before it is enforced.
Additionally, the court ruled that the program does not amount to a government taking under the Fifth Amendment, as it does not forcibly seize or mandate the sale of the company&#8217;s drugs.
Instead, the government offers to purchase medications under specific terms, which Novartis can choose to accept or decline. If a company finds the negotiated price unfavorable but still opts to sell, it does not constitute an unlawful taking.
Price Action: NVS stock is down 1.64% at $107.83 at the last check on Wednesday.
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Government

Court Dismisses Novartis Challenge To Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-02262025.html#:~:text=As%20of%20February%2024%2C%20CDC,backyard%20poultry%20flock%20(Wyoming).">https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-02262025.html#:~:text=As%20of%20February%2024%2C%20CDC,backyard%20poultry%20flock%20(Wyoming).</a>
&nbsp;
<h2>Situation Update</h2>
February 26, 2025 &ndash; CDC continues to respond to the public health challenge posed by a multistate outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, or &quot;H5N1 bird flu,&quot; in dairy cows, poultry, and other animals in the United States. CDC is working in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), state public health and animal health officials, and other partners using a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/one-health/about/index.html">One Health approach</a>.

CVAC

MRNA

NVAX

CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update February 26, 2025; Confirmed 3 Human Cases Of H5 Bird Flu In People Who Became Ill In 2025 - Website

Macro Economic Events

Econ #s

Economics

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins Says USDA Will Invest Up To $1B In Strategy To Curb Avian Flu; USDA Is Not Yet Authorizing Use Of Bird Flu Vaccines For Chickens

Novartis's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>) short percent of float has fallen 4.55% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 4.08 million shares sold short, which is 0.21% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.82 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Novartis Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740574814_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Novartis has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Novartis's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Novartis's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.09%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Is the Market Bullish or Bearish on Novartis?

Novartis Shares Fall After Reuters Reports Block Trade

A cost-saving effort by NHS England to transition multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from Biogen Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIIB#NASDAQ">BIIB</a>) Tysabri (natalizumab) to the biosimilar drug Tyruko has led to significant side effects.
At Charing Cross Hospital in London, about 170 multiple sclerosis patients experienced complications, including relapses, mobility issues, fatigue, pain, and weight gain. Some cases were severe enough to require hospitalization.
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According to The Guardian report, NHS England has been rolling out biosimilar drugs like Tyruko since April, aiming to cut costs by using alternatives to patented medications. Biosimilars are designed to be as effective and safe as the original drugs but are considerably cheaper—Tyruko costs an average of 72% <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/02/43673992/biogen-delivers-q4-beat-analyst-focuses-on-leqembi-expansion-2025-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">less than Tysabri</a>.
Sandoz Group AG (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SDZXF#OTC">SDZXF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SDZNY#OTC">SDZNY</a>), a generic spin-off of Novartis AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>), manufactures Tyruko. As per The Guardian <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/24/ms-patients-suffer-side-effects-after-nhs-england-switches-to-cheaper-drug" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a>, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to save $1.26 billion (1 billion pounds) over five years on medication expenses.
The extent of the issue remains unclear. NHS England has stated that problems have only been observed at Charing Cross, but one patient claims that individuals at 15 other hospitals have also experienced negative effects from the switch.
Approximately half of the NHS hospitals treating MS patients are currently participating in the transition to Tyruko.
Due to growing concerns, NHS England is now discussing with the Department of Health and Social Care and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to assess the situation and determine potential next steps.
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, which oversees Charing Cross Hospital, initially had 345 patients on Tysabri. When the transition to Tyruko began in May, the trust anticipated mild, short-term side effects but was unprepared for the severity and persistence of complications. About half of the affected patients reported worsening symptoms over several months. In response, all have now been switched back to Tysabri.
Price Action: BIIB stock is up 0.19% at $140.91 at the last check Monday.
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</ul>
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Topics

SDZNY

SDZXF

NHS England's Transition From Biogen's Drug To Sandoz's Biosimilar Sparks Alarm As Multiple Sclerosis Patients Report Severe Effects

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7404a2.htm" title="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7404a2.htm">https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7404a2.htm</a>

U.S. CDC Report: Evidence Found Of Recent Bird Flu Infections Among 3 Cattle Veterinarians

<a href="https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/novartis-receives-health-canada-approval-for-fabhalta-r-oral-treatment-for-adult-patients-with-pnh-861589075.html" title="https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/novartis-receives-health-canada-approval-for-fabhalta-r-oral-treatment-for-adult-patients-with-pnh-861589075.html">https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/novartis-receives-health-canada-approval-for-fabhalta-r-oral-treatment-for-adult-patients-with-pnh-861589075.html</a>

Novartis Gets Health Canada Approval For Fabhalta Oral Treatment For Adult Patients With PNH

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Evercore ISI Group analyst Shweta Khajuria downgraded the rating for The Trade Desk, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTD#NASDAQ">TTD</a>) from Outperform to In-Line and lowered the price target from $135 to $90. Trade Desk shares closed at $122.23 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFRM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Seaport Global analyst Tom Curran downgraded the rating for Aspen Aerogels, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASPN#NYSE">ASPN</a>) from Buy to Neutral. Aspen Aerogels shares closed at $11.75 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFRM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Piper Sandler analyst Charles Neivert downgraded Olin Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OLN#NYSE">OLN</a>) from Overweight to Neutral and lowered the price target from $41 to $33. Olin shares closed at $27.98 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFRM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>UBS analyst Matthew Weston downgraded the rating for Novartis AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>) from Buy to Neutral. Novartis shares closed at $107.00 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFRM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>B of A Securities analyst Bryan Spillane downgraded The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KHC#NASDAQ">KHC</a>) from Buy to Underperform and lowered the price target from $36 to $33. Kraft Heinz shares closed at $28.62 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSFT/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying KHC stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13075746/image-2-39-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-780861" style="width:546px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13075746/image-2-39-1024x576.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13075746/image-2-39-300x169.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13075746/image-2-39-768x432.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13075746/image-2-39.png 1106w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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This Kraft Heinz Analyst Turns Bearish; Here Are Top 5 Downgrades For Thursday

UBS analyst Matthew Weston downgrades Novartis (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>) from Buy to Neutral.

UBS Downgrades Novartis to Neutral

On Tuesday, Novartis AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>) agreed to acquire Anthos Therapeutics, Inc., a Boston-based, privately held, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVS" rel="noreferrer noopener">clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company</a>.
Anthos is developing abelacimab, a late-stage medicine to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly.
Novartis will <a target="_blank" href="https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-bolsters-late-stage-cardiovascular-pipeline-agreement-acquire-anthos-therapeutics-usd-925-million-upfront" rel="noreferrer noopener">pay</a> an upfront payment of $925 million and potential additional payments of up to $2.15 billion upon achieving specified regulatory and sales milestones.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/01/43380284/novartis-q4-earnings-beat-estimates-ceo-dismisses-entresto-patent-expiration-worries" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novartis Q4 Earnings: Revenue And EPS Beat, CEO Dismisses Entresto Patent Expiration Worries</a>
The transaction aligns with Novartis' growth strategy and therapeutic area focus, leveraging the company's strength and expertise in the cardiovascular area.
Anthos Therapeutics, launched by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis in 2019, has advanced abelacimab through clinical development under a license from Novartis.
Abelacimab is a fully human monoclonal antibody designed to induce effective hemostasis-sparing anticoagulation through Factor XI inhibition.
Phase 2 data showed a significant reduction in bleeding events in patients taking abelacimab versus a standard-of-care direct-oral anticoagulant in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Three Phase 3 trials are ongoing for patients at risk of arterial and venous clots, one in patients with atrial fibrillation and two in cancer-associated thrombosis.
In July 2022 abelacimab received an FDA Fast Track Designation for thrombosis associated with cancer.
In September 2022, abelacimab was also granted a Fast Track Designation for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.
In November, Novartis acquired&nbsp;Kate Therapeutics to enhance and strengthen its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/42115127/novartis-confident-in-growth-as-it-elevates-midterm-sales-forecast-ceo-narasimhan-highlights-robust-pipeline-supporting-long-term-strategy" rel="noreferrer noopener">portfolio of gene therapies</a>.
Kate Therapeutics is a San Diego-based, preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies to treat genetically defined neuromuscular diseases.
The transaction value is up to $1.1 billion, comprising an upfront payment and potential additional milestone payments.
Price Action: NVS stock is down 0.31% at $106.52 during the premarket session on last check Tuesday.
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</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Novartis To Beef Up Heart Disease Offering With $3 Billion Blackstone-Backed Anthos Therapeutics Deal

Reflects the promise of the novel Factor XI inhibitor class of medicines to help prevent strokes and other conditions as well as Abelacimab's potential to provide superior safety
Culminates growth journey as part of Blackstone Life Science

Blackstone-Backed Anthos Therapeutics To Be Acquired By Novartis In $3.1B Deal, Advancing Factor XI Inhibitor Therapy

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PureTech Founded Entity Seaport Therapeutics Names Lauren White as Chief Financial Officer

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GeminiBio Appoints Mike Stella to Board

Novartis data presentations at AAAAI and AAD underscore commitment to advancing treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU)

Novartis receives third FDA approval for oral Fabhalta® (iptacopan) - the first and only treatment approved in C3 glomerulopathy (C3G)

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