A Novartis drug cut inflammation. Can it improve heart outcomes?
Novartis's experimental drug pacibekitug showed a dose-dependent reduction in inflammation biomarkers in a Phase 2 study. The company is now evaluating the drug's potential as a cardiovascular treatment.
Why it matters
Successful development of this drug could provide a new therapeutic option for managing inflammation-related heart disease, a major global health concern.
Andrew covers the biopharma industry, scientific research, and public health across the continent. You can reach Andrew confidentially on Signal at drewqjoseph.71.
A newly acquired Novartis drug successfully lowered signs of inflammation in a midstage study, as experts wait to hear how the company plans to advance the drug as a potential cardiovascular treatment.
In the Phase 2 TRANQUILITY study, the drug, pacibekitug, led to sustained decreases in biomarkers of inflammation, according to results presented Saturday at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual meeting in Munich. Investigators reported a dose-dependent drop in biomarker levels on certain measures, meaning higher doses led to greater reductions, a sign the drug is having an effect.
Pacibekitug is an antibody that targets IL-6, or interleukin-6, a protein involved in regulating immune responses.
To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in