Novartis has reported positive top-line results from its Phase III trials evaluating ianalumab (VAY736) in adults with active Sjogren's disease.

Both trials met the primary endpoint of demonstrating statistically significant improvements in disease activity. These results support the potential for ianalumab, a drug with a dual mechanism of action, B-cell depletion and BAFF-R inhibition, to become the first targeted treatment for patients with Sjogren’s disease, a chronic, disabling autoimmune disease.

"Sjogren’s disease is a serious, progressive, systemic autoimmune disease, often unrecognised or misdiagnosed with a significant detrimental impact to quality of life, with very limited treatment options and an established unmet need. Both Phase III trials demonstrate that ianalumab improves disease activity in patients with Sjogren’s disease,” said Shreeram Aradhye, President of Development and Chief Medical Officer at Novartis.

“These Phase III studies mark a significant milestone. We look forward to engaging with health authorities to discuss these findings in the near future,” he added.

The NEPTUNUS pivotal trials achieved the primary endpoint of improving disease activity measured by a reduction in EULAR Sjogren’s syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI), a multi-dimensional disease activity measurement compared to placebo. Ianalumab was well tolerated and demonstrated a favorable safety profile in Sjögren's disease.

Novartis plans to present the NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 data at an upcoming medical meeting and submit ianalumab, which was granted Fast Track Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to health authorities globally.