Novartis(US:NVS) 2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-11-26 10:07Core Insights - The approval of Itvisma by the FDA marks a significant advancement in gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), targeting patients aged two and older with specific genetic mutations [1][2] - Itvisma's wholesale price is set at $2.59 million, making it one of the most expensive drugs on the market, and it is positioned as a test for the market's tolerance for high-priced life-saving medications [1][3] - The global gene therapy market is expected to grow at an annual rate of over 20% in the next 5-10 years, driven by technological advancements and regulatory clarity [2][8] Company Insights - Novartis has invested heavily in gene therapy, with Zolgensma's development costs reaching $9.4 billion, including the acquisition of AveXis for $8.7 billion [3] - Zolgensma's pricing strategy has set a precedent in the industry, with its initial sales reaching $160 million in the first quarter post-launch and $1.37 billion in 2022 [6] - Itvisma is designed for a one-time administration, providing a functional human SMN1 gene to improve motor function, which could reduce the treatment burden compared to existing therapies [5][6] Industry Insights - The gene therapy market is projected to reach $9.03 billion in 2024 and grow to $64.64 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 27.6% [8] - Major pharmaceutical companies are actively investing in gene therapy, with significant acquisitions such as Sanofi's $11.6 billion purchase of Bioverativ and Roche's $4.3 billion acquisition of Spark Therapeutics [9] - The industry faces challenges including high production costs, short shelf life of viral vectors, and the need for a balance between innovation incentives and drug accessibility [10][11]