Novartis stock heads into the open after a 0.4% gain
Published on 09/17/2026 at 07:39 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Novartis stock closed at CHF 114.28 on the SIX Swiss Exchange on September 16, 2026, up 0.39% from the previous session. The move left the shares modestly ahead of the Swiss Market Index, which finished the same day with a smaller percentage gain.
September 16, 2026 in numbers
Novartis AG (ISIN CH0012005267) saw its CHF-denominated shares end the September 16, 2026 session at CHF 114.28 on the SIX Swiss Exchange, marking a 0.39% advance on the day per Swiss exchange data. Intraday trading kept the stock within a relatively tight range around that closing level, and the session volume stayed close to its recent average, while the Swiss Market Index also closed higher, though by less than Novartis in percentage terms.
The day was dominated by pipeline news after Novartis confirmed that it is discontinuing development of the experimental ALS drug VHB937 following a Phase 2 trial that failed to meet primary and secondary endpoints, as reported by Morningstar on September 16, 2026. A similar account from Reuters highlighted that the mid-stage study in early-stage ALS patients did not achieve its efficacy goals. Despite the setback, Swiss trading data indicated the shares ended modestly higher on the day, suggesting the news was largely anticipated after earlier reports and partially offset by broader market strength.
Today’s focus for Novartis
Into today’s session on September 17, 2026, investors remain focused on how the ALS program discontinuation fits into the wider pipeline and capital allocation story. As The Globe and Mail reported on September 16, 2026, Deutsche Bank reiterated its Hold rating on Novartis with a price target of CHF 120.00, framing the shares as having limited upside from current levels after recent volatility. In parallel, deal activity around brain delivery technology is drawing attention, with Business Insider noting on September 16, 2026 that Novartis has exercised an option to acquire global rights to Sironax’s proprietary brain delivery platform, a move that could help reshape perceptions of its neurology franchise over time. With the Swiss market open later today and no major company-specific events formally scheduled for September 17, 2026 in public calendars, trading in Novartis is likely to be guided by follow-up analysis of its recent trial setback, the valuation context around the CHF 120 target, and broader movements in the Swiss Market Index.
