Swiss pharma giant Novartis (NYSE: NVS) reported a 5% year-on-year (YOY) revenue increase in constant currency terms to $12.79 billion in Q2 2022, though dollar sales dipped 1% due to currency strength. Earnings per share (EPS) rose 1%, or 10% excluding the $20.7 billion Roche stake sale in November 2021. The company maintained its full-year guidance and continues evaluating a Sandoz spin-off by year-end.
Financial Highlights
- Innovative Medicines (IM): $10.5 billion in sales, driven by six key drugs.
- Entresto: +33% to $1.125 billion (heart failure/hypertension).
- Cosentyx: +12% to $1.275 billion (autoimmune).
- Kesimpta: +270% to $239 million (MS).
- Zolgensma: +26% to $379 million (SMA).
- Kisqali: +43% to $308 million (breast cancer).
- Leqvio: $22 million debut (siRNA anti-PCSK9).
- Sandoz: 5% sales growth, with strategic options under review.
Regional Performance
Emerging Markets grew 10% YOY, with China up 5% to $835 million, slowing from Q1’s 15% growth due to COVID-19 lockdowns. Cosentyx and Entresto’s NRDL inclusion drove demand.
BeiGene Partnership Update
- Tislelizumab (PD-1 inhibitor): FDA delayed the NDA filing for second-line ESCC due to China inspection issues. CEO Vas Narasimhan stressed global trial requirements and expressed confidence in approval.
- Ociperlimab (TIGIT antibody): Phase III trials ongoing, with data expected in 2023. Narasimhan affirmed commitment despite Roche’s TIGIT setback, citing ociperlimab’s distinct profile.-Fineline Info & Tech
