HSBC Lifts PT on Novartis AG (NVS) to $112 From $106

Core Viewpoint - Novartis AG is highlighted as a highly profitable stock with a recent price target increase by HSBC, indicating a positive outlook despite a maintained Reduce rating on the shares [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Outlook - HSBC raised the price target for Novartis AG from $106 to $112, reflecting confidence in the pharmaceutical sector's performance in the upcoming year [1][2]. - The firm anticipates that the sector could outperform, especially if there is increased interest in AI technologies [2]. Group 2: Clinical Developments - Novartis announced positive results from the VAYHIT2 Phase III trial, which evaluated the combination of ianalumab and eltrombopag in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) [2]. - The trial results indicated a 45% extension in disease control based on the primary endpoint of time to treatment failure (TTF) [2]. - Additionally, 62% of patients treated with ianalumab plus eltrombopag achieved sustained platelet response at six months, compared to 39% with the placebo [3]. Group 3: Future Plans - Novartis plans to submit the VAYHIT2 data along with results from the ongoing VAYHIT1 trial to health authorities in 2027 [4]. - The company operates in various segments, including Innovative Medicines and Sandoz, and is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland [4].