Novartis drug cuts inflammation. A heart outcomes study is to come

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.