By VETTAPHARMA reporter – Derek Roche: Novartis will present data from 31 abstracts at the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) Congress 2026, highlighting progress across its immunology portfolio in complex autoimmune diseases with significant unmet medical need. Among the planned presentations are new findings for Cosentyx (secukinumab) from the Phase III REPLENISH trial in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), the largest global Phase III study conducted in the disease. Novartis will also present analyses from the FUTURE 1 and FUTURE 5 studies, evaluating the impact of early biologic intervention on radiographic progression in psoriatic arthritis.
The company is also scheduled to present new data for ianalumab, including interim results through Week 108 from a Phase III extension study in Sjögren’s disease and Phase II findings in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The studies continue to evaluate the long-term potential of B-cell targeted therapy in autoimmune disorders where treatment options remain limited.
Additional EULAR abstracts will highlight rap-cel (rapcabtagene autoleucel, YTB323), a rapidly manufactured CD19 CAR-T therapy being investigated in severe autoimmune diseases. Planned presentations include preliminary findings from the AUTOGRAPH-IIM study in severe refractory idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, the AUTOGRAPH-SSC study in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, and a Phase I/II study in severe refractory SLE with follow-up extending to 24 months after treatment.
The breadth of the upcoming EULAR programme reflects Novartis’ strategy of building a diversified immunology portfolio spanning biologics, targeted therapies, and CAR-T cell therapies, while expanding into diseases with substantial unmet need and limited therapeutic options.
For patients, the planned presentations may provide further insight into potential future treatment options for conditions including polymyalgia rheumatica, Sjögren’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and inflammatory myopathies, where durable disease control remains challenging.
From a commercial perspective, continued advancement of Cosentyx, ianalumab, and rap-cel reinforces Novartis’ long-term immunology growth strategy and expands opportunities across multiple autoimmune disease markets.
Quick FAQs
1. What is polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)?
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disease that causes pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and hips, primarily affecting older adults.
2. What is the REPLENISH study?
REPLENISH is a Phase III clinical trial evaluating Cosentyx (secukinumab) in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica.
3. What is ianalumab being investigated for?
Ianalumab is being studied in autoimmune diseases including Sjögren’s disease and systemic lupus erythematosus.
4. What is rap-cel (YTB323)?
Rap-cel is a rapidly manufactured CD19-directed CAR-T therapy being evaluated in severe autoimmune diseases.
5. Why is EULAR 2026 important for Novartis?
Novartis plans to present 31 abstracts spanning biologics, targeted therapies, and CAR-T approaches across multiple autoimmune conditions.
6. What could these upcoming data mean for patients?
The studies may support future treatment options for autoimmune diseases with significant unmet medical need and limited therapeutic choices.
