Novartis stock gains on positive Cosentyx opinion and pipeline deal
Published on 09/19/2026 at 12:37 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Novartis stock (ISIN CH0012005267) was quoted around 116.52 CHF on the SIX Swiss Exchange as of September 18, 2026, leaving only a small upside gap to a 120 CHF analyst price target and reflecting renewed interest after fresh pipeline news in immunology and neurology.
Regulatory boost for Cosentyx in polymyalgia rheumatica
According to Globenewswire on September 18, 2026, Novartis announced that the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion recommending marketing authorization for Cosentyx (secukinumab) in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in adults with inadequate steroid response or relapse during steroid taper.
The company highlighted that in the PMR program Cosentyx doubled sustained remission rates and delivered steroid-sparing effects versus placebo, with safety consistent with its established profile, providing a quantitative efficacy signal for investors to weigh against competing therapies.Globenewswire The CHMP decision is a key step before a final ruling by the European Commission, which is expected within approximately two months from the opinion date.Globenewswire
Analyst targets and valuation frame the share price
As of mid-September 2026, the shares were reported to be down about 9.5 percent over the past month but still up 6.1 percent year to date, while the one-year total shareholder return stood at 21.3 percent, illustrating both recent volatility and longer-term positive momentum.Yahoo Finance At a closing price of 116.52 CHF on September 18, 2026, the gap to the 120 CHF target is under 4 CHF, underscoring how incremental news on the pipeline or regulatory front can quickly tip the risk-reward balance.Ad-hoc corporate news
Pipeline setbacks contrast with new neurology deal
Recent pipeline news has been mixed. European Biotechnology reported that Novartis halted development of its TREM2 antibody lifonebart (VHB937) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) after the Phase 2 ASTRALS trial in 251 patients missed both its primary and secondary endpoints, removing one potential avenue in neurodegeneration.European Biotechnology Magazine In parallel, commentary around the pelacarsen Lp(a)HORIZON trial noted that while the drug lowered lipoprotein(a) levels, it did not reduce heart attacks, strokes or related cardiovascular events, reshaping expectations for that cardiovascular asset and illustrating the binary nature of late-stage outcomes.Simply Wall St
Balancing these setbacks, Novartis also moved to strengthen its neurology toolkit. As Yahoo Finance reported on September 19, 2026, the company agreed to acquire full rights to Sironax's proprietary brain delivery platform designed to transport therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier for central nervous system disorders. The deal gives Novartis full control over technology intended to enhance drug delivery in diseases where treatment options remain limited, offering a strategic counterweight to trial disappointments.
Stock level and trading context
At a recent quote of 116.52 CHF on the SIX Swiss Exchange on September 18, 2026, Novartis stock traded modestly higher on the session, with prior commentary noting a gain of around 0.26 percent compared with the previous close and a roughly 3.87 percent advance over five trading days.Ad-hoc corporate news With the stock standing below a fair value estimate of CHF126.13 but close to individual analyst targets around 120 CHF, investors are weighing the incremental revenue potential from Cosentyx's new PMR indication and the brain delivery platform acquisition against clinical risks highlighted by ALS and cardiovascular study outcomes.Yahoo Finance
Novartis stock key data
- Company: Novartis AG
- ISIN: CH0012005267
- Ticker: NOVN
- Trading venue: SIX Swiss Exchange
- Price (as of September 18, 2026): 116.52 CHF
- Sector / Industry: Health Care / Pharmaceuticals
