Novartis Aims to Bring COVID-19 Drug to Patients Ahead of Full Trial Results

Novartis plans to seek FDA authorization of its experimental COVID-19 antiviral co-developed with Molecular Partners as soon as possible, without waiting for full phase 2 trial results.

Topline results from the 407-person study showed ensovibep met its primary endpoint of reducing viral load over eight days and that the drug also lowered the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization by 78 percent when compared against placebo.

Ensovibep was also shown to maintain effectiveness against all SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including Omicron.