# Novartis Cardiovascular Drug Pelacarsen Fails Key Trial

Novartis announced Friday that its experimental cardiovascular drug pelacarsen failed a pivotal study. The company described the outcome as a major blow. The drug had been closely watched by researchers and investors.

The trial was designed to test pelacarsen in patients with cardiovascular disease. Novartis did not disclose specific results in the announcement. The failure represents a significant setback for the company’s pipeline in heart disease.

Pelacarsen is an antisense oligonucleotide that targets lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Elevated Lp(a) affects an estimated one in five people worldwide, and no approved therapies currently exist to lower it. The drug had advanced through earlier-stage trials and was considered one of the most promising candidates in Novartis’ cardiovascular portfolio.

The failure highlights the challenge of developing treatments for this specific lipid pathway. Several other companies are also pursuing Lp(a)-lowering drugs, and the outcome may shift the competitive landscape. For Novartis, the result raises questions about its strategy in cardiovascular medicine, an area where the company has invested heavily.

Source: [STAT+: Novartis’ experimental cardiovascular drug fails a pivotal study](https://www.statnews.com/2026/09/04/novartis-therapy-pelacarsen-fails-cardiovascular-trial/?utm_campaign=rss)