Novartis Reports Strong Q1 2026 Growth Led by Remibrutinib CHMP Approval and Pipeline Advances

Key Takeaways

• Remibrutinib received positive CHMP opinion for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and showed positive Phase III results in chronic inducible urticaria
• Ianalumab gained FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation and priority review for Sjögren’s disease treatment
• Cosentyx expanded with FDA approval for pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa patients, strengthening Novartis’ immunology portfolio

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Novartis Maintains Strong Momentum with Key Drug Approvals

Novartis AG reported robust first-quarter 2026 performance driven by strong growth in priority brands and successful new product launches, while reaffirming its full-year 2026 guidance. The Swiss pharmaceutical giant highlighted significant regulatory and clinical milestones across its immunology and specialty medicine portfolio.

Remibrutinib Advances Toward European Approval

The company’s BTK inhibitor remibrutinib achieved a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) for treating chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). This regulatory milestone positions remibrutinib for potential European Union approval, expanding treatment options for patients with this challenging skin condition.

Remibrutinib also demonstrated positive Phase III results in chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) and showed promising Phase II data in food allergy applications, suggesting broader therapeutic potential beyond its initial indication.

Breakthrough Designations Accelerate Development

Novartis received significant regulatory support for ianalumab, with the FDA granting both Breakthrough Therapy designation and priority review for Sjögren’s disease (SjD) treatment. These designations typically reduce development timelines and provide enhanced FDA guidance, potentially accelerating patient access to this novel therapy.

Immunology Portfolio Expansion

The company’s established immunology franchise continued expanding with Cosentyx receiving FDA approval for pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa patients. Additionally, regulatory submissions for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are progressing, potentially opening new market opportunities for the IL-17A inhibitor.

Nephrology Pipeline Shows Promise

Fabhalta demonstrated positive Phase III estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) results in IgA nephropathy (IgAN), with the FDA granting priority review for traditional approval. This development could establish Fabhalta as a significant treatment option in the growing nephrology market.

The strong Q1 performance and pipeline progress support Novartis’ strategic focus on innovative medicines in immunology, neuroscience, and other specialty therapeutic areas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the CHMP positive opinion mean for remibrutinib patients?

A positive CHMP opinion typically leads to European Commission approval within 2-3 months, making remibrutinib available to chronic spontaneous urticaria patients across the European Union.

When will ianalumab be available for Sjögren’s disease patients?

With FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation and priority review, ianalumab could receive approval 6-8 months faster than standard timelines, potentially by late 2026 or early 2027.

How does Cosentyx’s pediatric approval impact the hidradenitis suppurativa market?

This approval addresses a significant unmet need in pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa, where treatment options are limited, potentially capturing a specialized but important patient population.