MorphoSys AG and Novartis Achieve Breakthrough in Sjögren’s Disease Treatment

On August 11, 2025, Novartis announced a significant milestone in the treatment of Sjögren’s disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder, with the successful completion of two Phase III clinical trials for its drug candidate, ianalumab. This development is a result of a collaborative effort with MorphoSys AG, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in cancer medicine, which has expanded its focus to include innovative treatments for autoimmune diseases.

The trials, named NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2, were the first global Phase III studies to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in disease activity for Sjögren’s disease. Ianalumab, developed by Novartis, has shown potential to become the first and only targeted treatment approved for this condition. The drug operates through a dual mechanism of action, involving B-cell depletion and BAFF-R inhibition, and has been well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile.

The positive results from these trials have had a notable impact on the stock market. Novartis’ shares experienced a rise of approximately three percent, as reported by Der Aktionär. This surge in value is attributed to the promising late-stage study data, which has helped recover from a recent dip in stock prices.

MorphoSys AG, listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and operating in the health care sector, has been instrumental in this achievement. The company, which went public in 1999, has a primary focus on the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative cancer treatments. However, its collaboration with Novartis highlights its expanding role in addressing other significant health challenges.

Novartis plans to present the data from these trials at an upcoming medical congress and intends to submit the findings to health authorities globally. This development marks a significant advancement in the treatment of Sjögren’s disease and underscores the successful partnership between Novartis and MorphoSys AG in bringing innovative therapies to patients worldwide.