Core Insights - Novartis is experiencing significant growth in 2023, driven by effective pipeline execution, regulatory successes, high-value licensing deals, shareholder returns, and favorable market sentiment. The stock has increased by 36.3% year-to-date, outperforming the broader market [1] Financial Performance - The company is set to report its third-quarter earnings on October 28, raising questions about whether the stock is a buy ahead of the earnings report [2] - In the second quarter, net sales rose by 11% year-over-year, with core earnings per share increasing by 24% to $2.42 [3] Strategic Focus - Novartis' strategy of concentrating on high-value, innovative medicines is yielding positive results, with priority brands seeing a 33% increase, excluding Entresto [3] - The spinoff of Sandoz has positioned Novartis as a pure-play innovative medicines firm, enhancing its focus on high-value therapeutic areas [1] Product Performance - The oncology drug Kisqali emerged as a key performer, with a 64% increase in sales and leadership in total prescriptions for metastatic breast cancer, indicating potential for multibillion-dollar growth in the next decade [4] - Kesimpta, a treatment for multiple sclerosis, grew by 33% in the quarter, while Pluvicto for prostate cancer saw a 30% increase following new U.S. approval [5] - The cholesterol-lowering drug Leqvio (inclisiran) experienced a 61% growth and is projected to exceed $1 billion in annual sales [5] Market Position - The heart failure drug Entresto continues to show steady growth, with Novartis confirming a loss of exclusivity in the U.S. by mid-2025 due to ongoing litigation with a generic competitor. The drug remains a significant revenue contributor, particularly in Europe, China, and Japan, where patent rights extend beyond 2026 [6]

“European and other rich countries consistently underspend on innovative medicines,“ writes the former chair of America’s Council of Economic Advisers in a guest essay. This shifts “the burden of paying for medical progress onto the Americans” https://t.co/s8PcFIUhl5 ...

The former chair of America’s Council of Economic Advisers wants NATO-style spending targets for innovative medicines https://t.co/9DKnOSIinlIllustration: Dan Williams https://t.co/8KqA2PQuKf ...

Core Viewpoint - Amgen Inc. is experiencing strong financial momentum and growth across its portfolio and pipeline, driven by increasing global demand for its innovative medicines [3]. Financial Performance - In the first quarter, Amgen's revenue increased by 9% year-over-year, primarily due to a 14% growth in volume [4]. - The growth was broad-based, with 14 products achieving double-digit growth [4]. Leadership and Expertise - The conference featured key executives including Peter Griffith (CFO), Dr. Jay Bradner (EVP of R&D), and Justin Claeys (VP of Investor Relations), highlighting their extensive experience in the industry [1][2].