<a href="https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/novartis-narrows-focus-anticoagulant-once-anchored-anthos-spinout" hreflang="en">Novartis narrows focus for anticoagulant after failure to best Eliquis in phase 3 trial</a>
Novartis has terminated two phase 3 trials for its anticoagulant abelacimab after it failed to outperform Eliquis in a study for cancer-associated thrombosis, but the company will continue development for atrial fibrillation, planning to seek approval by 2028. This decision follows the drug's reacquisition from Anthos Therapeutics, which Novartis originally created to lead its development.
Novartis's strategy to continue developing abelacimab for atrial fibrillation, despite halting trials for cancer-associated thrombosis, indicates a focused pivot towards indications with higher success potential. This highlights the importance of adaptability in drug development and suggests that monitoring phase 3 trial outcomes for atrial fibrillation may offer insights into Novartis's future market positioning and potential FDA filings for approval by 2028.