Novartis AG Reports Positive Topline Phase 2 Data
Jan 10, 2022 By MarketDepth
Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) today reported positive topline data from its Phase 2 study for ensovibep.
Viral Load Reduction
The Part A of the EMPATHY clinical trial met the primary endpoint of viral load reduction over eight days, while the two secondary endpoints also showed clinically meaningful benefit over placebo.
“We are pleased that the results from the EMPATHY trial demonstrate the positive therapeutic effect of ensovibep, with the potential to be an important new treatment option to combat the rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. As COVID-19 continues to burden healthcare systems across the globe, a range of treatments will be needed, and Novartis is proud to continue our collaboration with Molecular Partners on this unique treatment for COVID-19 and contribute ensovibep to this suite of options.”
Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis
Additionally, Novartis now intends to exercise its option to in-license ensovibep from Molecular Partners, a collaborator on the development of ensovibep, a DARPin therapeutic candidate designed for potential use against COVID-19. As such, Novartis will take over further development, manufacturing, distribution and commercialization activities of ensovibep and has already initiated scale-up activities in its large-scale biologics production facilities.
“Today’s data are a culmination of a persistent team effort, between ourselves and Novartis, to deliver a tailored antiviral with demonstrated safety and efficacy in global clinical trials. As pioneers of DARPin therapeutics, our team has the unique ability to rapidly generate and develop multi-specific DARPin therapeutics. We look forward to continue to demonstrate our capabilities and the potential of our pipeline in oncology, virology and for patients in need.”
Patrick Amstutz, Ph.D., CEO of Molecular Partners
