1. In Vivo

Novartis and the Innovator's Dilemma

Novartis' most important new drug candidate, the innovative irritable bowel syndrome drug tegaserod, has been rejected by both European and US regulatory agencies. But while it and other drug firms may blame regulatory groups for becoming too risk averse, or for worrying about the costs of drug treatment, it's just as likely a problem of innovation. The agencies know how to deal with me-too drugs--it's the breakthroughs that are problematic.

As IN VIVOwent to press, we received news that the Food & Drug Administration had rejected Novartis AG 's application for approval of tegaserod (Zelnorm), arguably the company's most important new drug and the only important treatment on the near-horizon for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The blow is doubly devastating for the company, coming as it does just weeks after Novartis withdrew the drug's marketing application in Europe when the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA) appeared ready to deny it approval.

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Archive

More from In Vivo

Podcast: Ochre Bio’s Approach To Precision Medicine In Liver Treatment

 
• By David Wild

Ochre Bio co-founder and CSO Quin Wills spoke with In Vivo about the UK-based company's novel approach to finding RNA therapies for chronic liver disease.

Richard DiMarchi On The GLP-1 Revolution: An Overnight Success After 40 Years

 
• By Andrew Warmington

As GLP-1 agonists surge to blockbuster status transforming diabetes and obesity treatment, Richard DiMarchi, the pioneering scientist behind their development, recounts the inside story of the drug class in a fireside chat.

Rising Leaders 2025: João Ribas On Building At The Intersection Of Science And Business

 
• By Jo Shorthouse

João Ribas combines scientific expertise with venture capital at Novo Holdings, applying his dual background to develop biotech investments that connect academic research with commercial opportunity.