Novartis Announces Positive Phase III Results for Anti-BAFF-R Monoclonal Antibody Ianalumab in Active Sjögren’s Syndrome

According to the Zhicheng Finance APP, on August 11, Novartis (NVS.US) announced positive results from two Phase III studies (NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2) of Ianalumab (VAY736) for the treatment of active Sjögren's syndrome. The drug is expected to become the first targeted therapeutic in the field of Sjögren's syndrome.

Ianalumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting the B lymphocyte activation factor receptor (BAFF-R) acquired by Novartis through the acquisition of MorphoSys. It features a dual mechanism of action that depletes B cells and inhibits BAFF-R, making it suitable for treating various autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This drug is the first anti-BAFF-R antibody to complete Phase III studies.