Novartis' Lp(a) drug pelacarsen fails to cut heart attack or stroke risk in phase 3 trial

Novartis, in partnership with Ionis, completed the phase 3 Lp(a)Horizon trial of pelacarsen, an antisense oligonucleotide designed to lower lipoprotein(a) levels.

The study enrolled more than 8,300 patients with high Lp(a) and prior cardiovascular events. Although pelacarsen lowered Lp(a) concentrations, it did not reduce the incidence of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes.

Novartis called the outcome disappointing but noted that the data improve scientific understanding of Lp(a) lowering and may guide future risk‑management strategies. Full results will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting.