Novartis scraps TREM2 ALS candidate after Phase 2 failure

Novartis announced it is halting development of its TREM2-targeting drug VHB937, also known as lifonebart, after the Phase 2 trial in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) did not meet its primary endpoints.

The decision was disclosed to Endpoints News, which reported that the Swiss company will cease all work on the candidate.

No further details on the trial results or next steps for the program were provided in the brief announcement.

The setback removes a potential new therapy for ALS from Novartis's pipeline and may impact its broader neurodegeneration strategy.