Novartis gives update on Entresto, Cosentyx launches

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS; SIX:NOVN) reported 1Q16 financial results on Thursday, including an update on the launch trajectory of heart failure drug Entresto sacubitril/valsartan. It said improved formulary access to Entresto helped lift sales to $17 million in 1Q16, up from $5 million in 4Q15, and said 91% of Medicare patients now have access to Entresto, with 65% at the lowest branded co-pay plan. The company guided to 2016 Entresto sales of $200 million, and said it is adding to its sales force.

Novartis also recorded $176 million in 1Q16 sales of Cosentyx secukinumab, up from $121 million in 4Q15. In January, FDA approved Cosentyx to treat ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis; it was approved in January 2015 to treat psoriasis. ...