Replies to post #213273 on Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

Re: Ilaris (canakinumab)

…at $100k to $200K per year, it isn't going to the masses.

Look for NVS to cut the price of Ilaris once it’s approved for a mass-market indication, as previously discussed on this board (#msg-132406067).

[DewDiligence]

NVS receives CRL for Ilaris BLA based on CANTOS study:

https://endpts.com/fda-slaps-down-novartis-blockbuster-pitch-for-canakinumab-so-what-went-wrong

Based on the correspondence from the FDA, the CANTOS data would not support labeling for the use of canakinumab as a targeted therapy for those patients with cardiovascular disease who achieved a reduction of hsCRP below the 2 mg/L target. At this time, we are evaluating the feedback provided and plans further discussions with the FDA.

So, Ilaris remains a niche drug (for now), and NVS does not have worry about the “pricing problem” an approval in a mass-market indication would have caused.

See #msg-134168467 for related info.

[DewDiligence]

NVS phase-3 for Ilaris in NSCLC misses OS primary endpoint:

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/03/09/2189145/0/en/Novartis-provides-update-on-Phase-III-study-evaluating-canakinumab-ACZ885-as-second-or-third-line-treatment-in-combination-with-chemotherapy-in-non-small-cell-lung-cancer.html