Novartis AG Announces Real‑World Evidence for Pluvicto and Faces Shareholder‑Driven Compensation Review

Novartis AG, a leading Swiss pharmaceutical company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, released significant findings from its PRECISION platform on 24 February 2026. The data provide new real‑world evidence supporting the use of the radioligand therapy Pluvicto (lutetium‑177 vipivotide tetraxetan) in metastatic castration‑resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The company also reported that its shareholder advocacy group, Ethos, has recommended the Board of Directors reject all compensation proposals presented at the upcoming general meeting, citing concerns over the remuneration of Chief Executive Officer Vas Narasimhan.

Real‑World Evidence for Pluvicto in Metastatic Castration‑Resistant Prostate Cancer

  • Study Design and Population The analysis used data from Novartis’ PRECISION platform, encompassing real‑world patients treated for PSMA‑positive mCRPC across multiple centers. The focus was on patients who had not previously received chemotherapy (chemo‑naïve) and had undergone one androgen‑receptor‑pathway inhibitor (ARPI) before initiation of Pluvicto.

  • Key Findings

  • Median progression‑free survival (PFS) was 13.5 months for chemo‑naïve patients treated with Pluvicto.

  • Initiation of Pluvicto after a single ARPI yielded longer PFS compared with sequencing after multiple ARPIs.

  • The data reinforce earlier clinical trial results and suggest an advantage in using Pluvicto earlier in the treatment sequence for mCRPC.

  • Implications for Clinical Practice The evidence supports guideline‑concordant use of Pluvicto in patients with PSMA‑positive mCRPC who have limited prior systemic therapy. The findings may influence prescribing patterns, potentially increasing early adoption of Pluvicto and improving patient outcomes.

Shareholder Advocacy and Compensation Review

  • Ethos Recommendation On 23 February 2026, the Ethos Foundation, an independent shareholder association, advised the Novartis general meeting to reject all remuneration items presented. The foundation specifically targeted the 2025 remuneration package for CEO Vas Narasimhan, arguing that the total compensation of 24.9 million CHF exceeds 295 times the median Swiss salary and is more than 2½ times higher than the amount received in 2018.

  • Context

  • The recommendation follows a broader scrutiny of executive compensation within the pharmaceutical sector.

  • The proposed vote will take place at the general meeting scheduled for 6 March 2026, where shareholders will decide on the acceptance of the remuneration report.

  • Potential Outcomes

  • If the recommendation is adopted, it could prompt a review of executive remuneration structures at Novartis.

  • A rejection of the remuneration items may lead to negotiations between the board and the Ethos Foundation to address concerns about transparency and alignment with shareholder interests.

Company Profile Context

  • Financial Snapshot (as of 22 February 2026)

  • Closing share price: 127.98 CHF

  • 52‑week high: 129.54 CHF

  • 52‑week low: 81.1 CHF

  • Market capitalization: 241.3 billion CHF

  • Price‑to‑earnings ratio: 22.83

  • Strategic Focus Novartis AG remains committed to developing innovative therapies across a range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, rare diseases, and consumer healthcare. Its approach combines scientific innovation with digital technologies to create transformative treatments.

Conclusion

The real‑world evidence for Pluvicto strengthens Novartis’ position in metastatic prostate cancer therapy, potentially expanding the drug’s clinical use. Concurrently, shareholder advocacy around CEO remuneration highlights the importance of governance and alignment with stakeholder expectations. The outcome of the upcoming general meeting will be closely monitored by investors and industry analysts alike.