Novartis's New Multiple Sclerosis Drug Might Have an Edge Over Roche Rival -- Market Talk

0842 GMT - Novartis's new multiple sclerosis drug might stand apart from a rival product Roche Holding is developing due to its safety profile, Citi analysts say in a research note. Novartis reported no liver-safety signals in its late-stage studies for its remibrutinib drug in multiple sclerosis, while Roche had a case of significant risk of severe drug-induced liver injury in trials for its fenebrutinib drug, the analysts say. Citi estimates Novartis's drug could generate $3.2 billion in annual peak sales in multiple sclerosis. Whether that estimate is conservative will largely depend on the magnitude of the efficacy of Novartis's drug and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's stance on the safety of Roche's medicine, the analysts say. Novartis's shares fall 0.75%, while Roche's rise 0.8%. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 02, 2026 04:42 ET (08:42 GMT)