Novartis launches Phase 3 trial of IL-6 antibody to test cardiovascular benefit despite Novo's setback

Novartis announced it will begin a Phase 3 study evaluating its anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody in patients at high cardiovascular risk.

The trial aims to determine whether reducing inflammation through IL-6 blockade can lower the incidence of major cardiovascular events.

The move follows a recent failure of a competing IL-6 inhibitor from Novo, but Novartis remains confident in its candidate's potential.