Health
Novartis cardiovascular drug pelacarsen fails in pivotal late-stage study
The treatment lowered targeted Lp(a) levels previously but did not reduce major cardiovascular events or deaths in Phase 3 testing.
The short version
- Novartis announced that its experimental heart drug pelacarsen failed to meet primary goals in the Phase 3 HORIZON trial.[STAT]
- The treatment did not reduce cardiovascular death, heart attacks, or strokes compared to a placebo.[STAT]
- Pelacarsen had successfully lowered levels of Lp(a), a lipid-protein marker associated with heightened cardiovascular risk, in earlier studies.[STAT]
Key facts
- Novartis reported that pelacarsen failed in the Phase 3 HORIZON study after showing no reduction in cardiovascular deaths, strokes, or heart attacks relative to a placebo.[STAT]
- Earlier clinical trials showed that pelacarsen significantly decreased levels of Lp(a).[STAT]
- High concentrations of Lp(a) are associated with an elevated likelihood of serious cardiovascular conditions.[STAT]
What remains uncertain
- Novartis has not detailed next development steps or potential alternative paths for pelacarsen following the Phase 3 trial failure.[STAT]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.