Novartis

Novartis confirms that nine patients treated with its spinal muscular atrophy gene therapy Zolgensma have developed tumors; the FDA orders GLP-1 drugmakers to add a warning to their labels about the risk of a rare eye condition that can lead to vision loss; and the agency is set to decide on no fewer than 11 therapies this month, including closely watched applications from Summit Therapeutics, Vertex and Capricor Therapeutics.

The list honors 50 life sciences employers of choice. Employees at SERB Pharmaceuticals and CSL Behring share why their companies stand out.

Full data from the Phase 3 HORIZON trial of Novartis’ pelacarsen failed to show any apparent benefit, leading analysts to further reduce the odds of success for Lp(a)-lowering competitors such as Amgen’s olpasiran.

After Novartis confirmed the reports of tumors in patients who have been treated with the spinal muscular atrophy gene therapy, the FDA will determine if any regulatory action is needed for Zolgensma or for the pharma’s similar product Itvisma.

Novartis is discontinuing a neurodegeneration alliance with BioArctic in which the companies aimed to develop a drug candidate that could cross the blood-brain barrier.

Novartis remains “very happy” with its $12 billion acquisition of Avidity Biosciences, despite a Phase 3 disappointment for the antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate del-desiran.

Novartis will continue to study Fabhalta in other indications, with late-stage studies in two rare diseases—atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome and generalized myasthenia gravis—expected to read out later this year and next year, respectively.

After Abogen Biosciences’ COVID shot missed the commercial window, the big question was whether its mRNA technology could create value beyond vaccines. Novartis’ $575 million upfront commitment is the clearest external validation yet of that broader therapeutic potential.

Big Pharma companies including Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson and Novartis are among those that made or planned layoffs in Q3. Those cuts could affect over 1,800 employees, with New Jersey the hardest-hit state.