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Viridian Therapeutics vs Novartis: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

Viridian Therapeutics Inc (VRDN)

Novartis AG (NOVN.SW)

Q3 2026
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Novartis Q3: new drugs and deals offset generic hit and pipeline setbacks

  • New drug approvals and acquisition EU approved Itvisma gene therapy and FDA fully approved Fabhalta for kidney disease. Novartis also bought Myricx Bio for $1.5 billion, adding new treatments to its portfolio.

    These approvals and the acquisition are new positive events that can drive future sales and growth.

  • Earnings beat and pipeline progress Q2 earnings beat expectations with sales returning to growth. Remibrutinib showed best-in-class potential in MS, Cosentyx won EU backing, and licensing deals worth up to $8.1 billion plus Sironax acquisition signaled continued innovation investment.

    Earnings beat and pipeline advancements are new positive developments that support investor confidence.

  • Entresto sales plunge on generics Entresto sales plunged 50% due to generic competition, a $4 billion annual hit. This major revenue loss weighs on the stock.

    This is a new negative event that directly impacts Novartis's revenue and profitability.

  • Pipeline setbacks and governance concerns CAR-T trials paused after three deaths; pelacarsen and del-desiran failed late-stage trials; rifonebart was halted. UBS turned cautious, and top shareholder Artisan Partners demanded a board overhaul amid $39.4 billion net debt and governance concerns.

    These new negative events raise safety, efficacy, and governance issues that can hurt investor sentiment.

September 2026
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Pipeline failures and governance pressure hit Novartis in September

  • Late-stage trial failures Pelacarsen and del-desiran failed late-stage trials, erasing billions in potential revenue and market value, while ALS drug rifonebart was halted. These setbacks hurt sentiment and raised doubts about the pipeline.

    Major negative news that directly impacted investor confidence and valuation.

  • Governance pressure from top shareholder Top shareholder Artisan Partners demanded a board overhaul over dealmaking, with net debt at $39.4 billion and eight shareholders raising concerns. This adds uncertainty about strategy and capital allocation.

    Governance issues can weigh on stock price and investor trust.

  • Pipeline wins and licensing deals Remibrutinib showed best-in-class potential in MS, Cosentyx won EU backing for polymyalgia rheumatica, and Novartis signed licensing deals worth up to $8.1 billion plus acquired Sironax's brain-delivery platform, signaling continued investment in innovation.

    Positive pipeline news and deals support future growth despite recent failures.

Latest
▲2▼2

Novartis adds two big pipeline deals; board pressure and CAR-T pause persist

  • Novartis licenses two new pipeline assets in deals worth up to $8.1 billion Novartis signed a radioligand therapy license with BoomRay (up to $900 million) and an mRNA T-cell engager deal with Abogen (up to $7.2 billion). These add new cancer and autoimmune candidates, showing Novartis can still attract outside innovation and giving investors fresh growth hopes after recent trial failures.

    These are the period's only new positive events and directly counter the pipeline-failure narrative that has weighed on the stock.

  • Artisan Partners publicly demands board shake-up over deal oversight Top-20 shareholder Artisan Partners called for a board overhaul after trial failures wiped out $30 billion in market value. Eight shareholders have raised concerns about Novartis' acquisition strategy. This governance pressure keeps uncertainty high and can weigh on the shares until management responds.

    It is a new escalation of shareholder activism that directly questions Novartis' dealmaking and board, a key overhang on the stock.

  • CAR-T trial pause after three patient deaths continues to raise safety concerns Novartis paused eight rap-cel CAR-T trials in autoimmune and neurological diseases after three deaths from a severe immune reaction. The disclosure came only after an analyst noticed the halted trials. This adds regulatory and safety risk, delaying a promising new treatment area and weighing on sentiment.

    It is a new negative safety event that adds to Novartis' pipeline setbacks and can pressure the share price until reviews clear.

  • EU panel backs Cosentyx for polymyalgia rheumatica, expanding a key drug A European Medicines Agency committee recommended approving Cosentyx for polymyalgia rheumatica, a painful inflammatory condition. If the European Commission agrees, it would be the first IL-17A inhibitor cleared for this disease in Europe, adding sales for an already marketed drug and offering a modest lift.

    It is a new regulatory win that expands an existing blockbuster into a new indication, supporting near-term revenue growth.

▲2▼2

Novartis hit by three trial failures; pipeline doubts deepen

  • ALS drug rifonebart halted after mid-stage failure Novartis stopped developing its ALS drug rifonebart after it failed its main and secondary goals in a mid-stage trial of 251 patients. This adds to a string of pipeline setbacks, making investors doubt Novartis's ability to turn research spending into new products and pressuring the shares.

    New pipeline failure that directly adds to negative sentiment and future growth doubts.

  • Novartis buys Sironax brain-delivery platform for $125 million Novartis exercised an option to acquire Sironax's brain-delivery technology for $125 million, gaining a way to get large drugs across the blood-brain barrier. This modestly strengthens its neurology pipeline and shows it is still investing in new science despite recent failures.

    New deal that shows continued pipeline investment and a small positive counterweight.

  • EU panel backs Cosentyx for polymyalgia rheumatica A European Medicines Agency committee recommended approving Cosentyx for polymyalgia rheumatica, a painful inflammatory condition. If the European Commission agrees, it would be the first IL-17A inhibitor cleared for this disease in Europe, expanding sales for an already marketed drug and offering a small lift.

    New regulatory win that broadens an existing product's label and provides a positive offset.

  • Board pressure and $39.4 billion net debt raise capital concerns After the del-desiran failure, top shareholder Artisan Partners demanded a board overhaul, and reports highlighted that Novartis spent over $30 billion on deals, pushing net debt to $39.4 billion. This raises doubts about dealmaking discipline and leaves less room for error, weighing on the stock.

    New details on activist pressure and balance-sheet strain that affect investor confidence.

▼3▲1

Novartis hit by two trial failures, board pressure; MS drug offers hope

  • Pelacarsen heart drug fails, wiping out $6B opportunity Novartis's cholesterol drug pelacarsen failed a final-stage trial, losing a potential $3–6 billion-a-year seller. The news sent shares down 3.3% and removed a key growth driver, making investors question the company's pipeline.

    This is a major pipeline failure that directly hurt the stock and shifts focus to remaining drugs.

  • Muscle-wasting drug del-desiran fails, shares plunge 10–13% The lead asset from Novartis's $12 billion Avidity acquisition failed its pivotal trial, erasing about CHF24–30 billion in market value. This is the third setback in a week and raises doubts about the company's deal-making and pipeline.

    This is the biggest new negative event, causing a record share drop and directly impacting valuation.

  • Top shareholder Artisan Partners demands board shake-up After the record share fall, Artisan Partners publicly urged Novartis to overhaul its board and deal team, citing failed acquisitions. This adds governance and reputational pressure, which can weigh on the stock until management responds.

    This is a new activist investor move that increases uncertainty and could force changes, affecting investor confidence.

  • Remibrutinib beats Sanofi's Aubagio in two late-stage MS trials Novartis's oral MS drug remibrutinib outperformed an older treatment, showing best-in-class potential with no liver-safety issues. Analysts see up to $9 billion in peak sales, offering a bright spot amid recent failures and supporting future growth.

    This is the main positive counterweight, showing pipeline strength and potential to offset losses.

August 2026
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Novartis pipeline swings: MS win, CAR-T pause, heart drug miss

  • CAR-T trial halt after three deaths Novartis paused eight CAR-T trials for autoimmune and neurological diseases after three patients died from a severe immune reaction. This raises safety and regulatory risk, delays a promising new treatment area, and can weigh on the share price until reviews clear.

    A major safety setback that directly threatens a key pipeline and investor confidence.

  • Remibrutinib wins two Phase 3 MS trials The oral drug remibrutinib beat teriflunomide on relapses and brain lesions in two late-stage MS trials, with no liver-safety worry. This opens a large new market and drove the stock up about 6%, though the shares already trade above many value estimates.

    The period's biggest positive catalyst, with clear efficacy and a large commercial opportunity.

  • Pelacarsen fails main heart trial goal Partner Ionis said Novartis' pelacarsen lowered Lp(a) levels but did not reduce major heart events versus placebo in a Phase 3 trial. This removes a potential growth driver for a common inherited heart risk, hurting sentiment on Novartis' cardiovascular pipeline.

    A late-stage failure that erases a hoped-for new revenue source and dents pipeline credibility.

  • Alteogen deal for subcutaneous versions Novartis signed an option and license deal with Alteogen to turn some intravenous biologics into easier subcutaneous shots, with up to $3.2 billion in potential payments. This could extend the life and convenience of existing products, a modest positive for the pipeline.

    A new partnership that supports future product lifecycles and is not already covered.

▲2▼2

Novartis pipeline swings: MS win, CAR-T pause, heart drug miss

  • CAR-T trial halt after three deaths Novartis paused eight CAR-T trials for autoimmune and neurological diseases after three patients died from a severe immune reaction. This raises safety and regulatory risk, delays a promising new treatment area, and can weigh on the share price until reviews clear.

    A major safety setback that directly threatens a key pipeline and investor confidence.

  • Remibrutinib wins two Phase 3 MS trials The oral drug remibrutinib beat teriflunomide on relapses and brain lesions in two late-stage MS trials, with no liver-safety worry. This opens a large new market and drove the stock up about 6%, though the shares already trade above many value estimates.

    The period's biggest positive catalyst, with clear efficacy and a large commercial opportunity.

  • Pelacarsen fails main heart trial goal Partner Ionis said Novartis' pelacarsen lowered Lp(a) levels but did not reduce major heart events versus placebo in a Phase 3 trial. This removes a potential growth driver for a common inherited heart risk, hurting sentiment on Novartis' cardiovascular pipeline.

    A late-stage failure that erases a hoped-for new revenue source and dents pipeline credibility.

  • Alteogen deal for subcutaneous versions Novartis signed an option and license deal with Alteogen to turn some intravenous biologics into easier subcutaneous shots, with up to $3.2 billion in potential payments. This could extend the life and convenience of existing products, a modest positive for the pipeline.

    A new partnership that supports future product lifecycles and is not already covered.

July 2026
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Novartis pipeline wins and earnings beat offset Entresto decline

  • EU approval for Itvisma gene therapy Novartis received EU approval for its Itvisma gene therapy, adding a new treatment option and reinforcing its position in advanced therapies. This expands the company's portfolio and offers a potential new revenue stream.

    This is a new regulatory win that supports future growth.

  • FDA full approval for Fabhalta in kidney disease The FDA granted full approval for Fabhalta in kidney disease, transitioning from accelerated approval. This validates the drug's efficacy and allows broader marketing, potentially boosting sales in a new indication.

    This is a new regulatory milestone that could drive revenue.

  • $1.5B Myricx Bio acquisition Novartis acquired Myricx Bio for $1.5 billion, adding a new asset to its pipeline. This strategic move aims to bolster future growth through external innovation.

    This is a new acquisition that expands the pipeline.

  • Q2 earnings beat with sales returning to growth Novartis reported Q2 earnings that beat expectations, with sales returning to growth despite Entresto's decline. This shows resilience and operational execution, reassuring investors about the company's trajectory.

    This is a new financial result that positively surprised the market.

  • Entresto sales plunge 50% on generics Entresto sales fell 50% as generic competition entered the market, resulting in a $4 billion annual revenue hit. This significant loss pressures overall growth and profitability.

    This is a new negative development impacting financials.

  • UBS turns cautious on Novartis relative to peers UBS downgraded its view on Novartis, citing relative underperformance compared to AstraZeneca and Roche. This cautious stance may limit upside and affect investor sentiment.

    This is a new analyst action that could weigh on the stock.

  • High-stakes late-stage trials could add $10B+ but face failure risk Three late-stage trials (pelacarsen, remibrutinib, del-desiran) could add over $10 billion in sales, but Goldman Sachs warns the stock could suffer if at least two fail. This creates meaningful pipeline uncertainty.

    This is a new analyst warning about pipeline risk.

▲2▼1

Novartis wins FDA label expansions, Q2 beat, but Entresto cliff and pipeline risk loom

  • FDA full approval for Fabhalta in kidney disease The FDA granted full approval to Fabhalta for slowing kidney decline in IgA nephropathy, upgrading it from accelerated approval. This expands the market for a first-in-class oral drug and adds a new growth driver, supporting the stock.

    This is a new regulatory win that directly boosts Novartis's revenue outlook.

  • Q2 earnings beat and sales return to growth Novartis beat second-quarter profit and sales estimates, with key brands like Kisqali and Pluvicto growing strongly. Sales returned to growth despite Entresto's 50% decline, reassuring investors and lifting the stock.

    The earnings beat is a new event that shows the company's core business is performing better than expected.

  • Entresto sales plunge 50% on generics Entresto sales fell 50% to $1.18 billion as cheaper generics entered the market, a $4 billion annual revenue hit. This drags on overall growth and pressures the stock, though newer drugs are offsetting some of the loss.

    This is a major negative force that explains why Novartis's growth is muted and why the stock faces a headwind.

  • Pipeline bets face high-stakes trial readouts Novartis is relying on three late-stage trials (pelacarsen, remibrutinib, del-desiran) that could add over $10 billion in sales, but Goldman Sachs warns the stock could suffer if at least two fail. This creates uncertainty around future growth.

    This highlights the key risk and potential reward that will drive the stock's longer-term direction.

▲3▼1

Novartis advances gene therapy and oncology pipeline, but UBS turns cautious

  • EU approval for Itvisma gene therapy Novartis won European Commission approval for Itvisma, a one-time gene replacement therapy for spinal muscular atrophy in patients aged 2 and older. This expands its approved product portfolio in Europe and opens a new revenue stream, supporting the stock.

    This is a concrete regulatory win that directly adds a new approved product and potential sales.

  • Acquisition of Myricx Bio for up to $1.5B Novartis agreed to buy UK biotech Myricx Bio for up to $1.5 billion, gaining a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate payload platform and two lead assets. This strengthens its oncology pipeline and shows commitment to high-growth areas, a positive for the stock.

    This is a major strategic deal that bolsters the pipeline and signals growth investment.

  • ianalumab positioned in growing markets Novartis' ianalumab is highlighted as a key late-stage candidate in warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus, both large markets with no approved therapies. Phase III results are expected in 2027, offering a potential future growth driver.

    This points to a significant pipeline opportunity that could drive future revenue.

  • UBS cautious on Novartis UBS reiterated an overweight view on European pharma but was more cautious on Novartis, preferring peers like AstraZeneca and Roche. This relative caution may weigh on sentiment and limit the stock's upside compared to sector peers.

    This is a direct analyst opinion that could influence investor perception and relative performance.

Q2 2026
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Novartis pipeline wins offset patent loss in radioligand therapy

  • Patent loss opens door to competitor in key cancer therapy A US court invalidated Novartis patents on its Lutathera radioligand therapy, allowing Curium to launch a competing version. This threatens future sales of a key product, weighing on the stock.

    This is a new negative regulatory event that directly challenges Novartis's radioligand franchise.

  • Positive Phase III data for Rhapsido in chronic inducible urticaria Novartis reported that Rhapsido met primary endpoints in a Phase III trial for chronic inducible urticaria, becoming the first to show efficacy in this condition. This supports a potential new growth driver.

    New clinical success expands the pipeline and boosts confidence in future revenue.

  • Early promise for del-brax in rare muscle disease Novartis's experimental drug del-brax showed promise in an early trial for FSHD, lowering disease markers and muscle damage. If approved, it could be the first disease-modifying treatment, adding a new rare-disease asset.

    New positive trial data for a potential first-in-class therapy supports long-term growth.

  • Oncology deals and market growth outlook Novartis announced two oncology partnerships (Antares, Orionis) worth up to $3.3 billion and a market report projected its radioligand therapy sales to reach $30 billion by 2034. These reinforce its pipeline and leadership in a high-growth area.

    New deals and market forecast highlight Novartis's strategy to offset patent losses and drive future sales.

June 2026
▲3▼1

Novartis pipeline wins offset patent loss in radioligand therapy

  • Patent loss opens door to competitor in key cancer therapy A US court invalidated Novartis patents on its Lutathera radioligand therapy, allowing Curium to launch a competing version. This threatens future sales of a key product, weighing on the stock.

    This is a new negative regulatory event that directly challenges Novartis's radioligand franchise.

  • Positive Phase III data for Rhapsido in chronic inducible urticaria Novartis reported that Rhapsido met primary endpoints in a Phase III trial for chronic inducible urticaria, becoming the first to show efficacy in this condition. This supports a potential new growth driver.

    New clinical success expands the pipeline and boosts confidence in future revenue.

  • Early promise for del-brax in rare muscle disease Novartis's experimental drug del-brax showed promise in an early trial for FSHD, lowering disease markers and muscle damage. If approved, it could be the first disease-modifying treatment, adding a new rare-disease asset.

    New positive trial data for a potential first-in-class therapy supports long-term growth.

  • Oncology deals and market growth outlook Novartis announced two oncology partnerships (Antares, Orionis) worth up to $3.3 billion and a market report projected its radioligand therapy sales to reach $30 billion by 2034. These reinforce its pipeline and leadership in a high-growth area.

    New deals and market forecast highlight Novartis's strategy to offset patent losses and drive future sales.

▲3▼1

Novartis pipeline wins offset patent loss in radioligand therapy

  • Patent loss opens door to competitor in key cancer therapy A US court invalidated Novartis patents on its Lutathera radioligand therapy, allowing Curium to launch a competing version. This threatens future sales of a key product, weighing on the stock.

    This is a new negative regulatory event that directly challenges Novartis's radioligand franchise.

  • Positive Phase III data for Rhapsido in chronic inducible urticaria Novartis reported that Rhapsido met primary endpoints in a Phase III trial for chronic inducible urticaria, becoming the first to show efficacy in this condition. This supports a potential new growth driver.

    New clinical success expands the pipeline and boosts confidence in future revenue.

  • Early promise for del-brax in rare muscle disease Novartis's experimental drug del-brax showed promise in an early trial for FSHD, lowering disease markers and muscle damage. If approved, it could be the first disease-modifying treatment, adding a new rare-disease asset.

    New positive trial data for a potential first-in-class therapy supports long-term growth.

  • Oncology deals and market growth outlook Novartis announced two oncology partnerships (Antares, Orionis) worth up to $3.3 billion and a market report projected its radioligand therapy sales to reach $30 billion by 2034. These reinforce its pipeline and leadership in a high-growth area.

    New deals and market forecast highlight Novartis's strategy to offset patent losses and drive future sales.

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