Core Viewpoint - Novartis (NVS.US) shares rose nearly 2% in pre-market trading following the announcement of positive results from two Phase III studies (NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2) for Ianalumab (VAY736) in the treatment of active Sjögren's syndrome, positioning the drug as a potential first targeted therapy in this field [1] Group 1 - Ianalumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting the B cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R), acquired by Novartis through the purchase of MorphoSys [1] - The drug exhibits a dual mechanism of action by depleting B cells and inhibiting BAFF-R, making it applicable for various autoimmune diseases including Sjögren's syndrome, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) [1] - Ianalumab is the first anti-BAFF-R antibody to complete Phase III studies [1]