NVS Ups Sales Projections as Key Drugs and Collaborations Fuel Growth

Core Insights - Novartis (NVS) projects a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5-6% for sales from 2025 to 2030, with an upgraded sales guidance for 2024-2029 to 6% from 5% due to strong growth drivers and upcoming launches [1][7] - The company faces generic competition for its drug Entresto, but strong performances from products like Kisqali, Kesimpta, Pluvicto, and Scemblix support its momentum [2][12] - Novartis raised its peak sales guidance for Kisqali to over $10 billion from over $8 billion, reflecting its strong performance [3] Sales Performance - Kisqali's sales increased by 68% to $1.33 billion in Q3, driven by growth in the U.S. market, particularly from the early breast cancer indication [4] - Scemblix sales surged by 95% to $358 million in Q3, supported by growth in chronic myeloid leukemia and new indications in the U.S. and Japan [5] - Novartis has eight de-risked, in-market drugs with peak sales potential ranging from $3 billion to $10 billion [5] Regulatory Approvals and Pipeline - Novartis received FDA approval for remibrutinib (Rhapsido) as an oral treatment for chronic spontaneous urticaria, marking it as the first FDA-approved Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor for this condition [8] - The company is focused on four core therapeutic areas: cardiovascular-renal-metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology [8] - Key pipeline candidates include ianalumab, pelacarsen, OAV101 IT, del-desiran, abelacimab, and farabursen [9] Strategic Acquisitions - Novartis announced the acquisition of Avidity Biosciences for $12 billion to enhance its neuroscience pipeline, with the deal expected to close in the first half of 2026 [10][11] - The acquisition of Tourmaline Bio for $1.4 billion adds a phase III-ready candidate to Novartis' cardiovascular pipeline [13] - Novartis has entered into collaboration agreements with Monte Rosa Therapeutics and Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals to expand its research capabilities [14][15]