Novartis ends mid — stage Fabhalta trial targeting serious kidney condition

Oct 16 (Reuters) — Swiss drugmaker Novartis has terminated a mid-stage study testing its drug Fabhalta in patients with a serious kidney condition, citing "strategic considerations", according to a federal clinical trials registry. The trial was evaluating whether the oral medication was safe and effective for treating lupus nephritis when added to standard medical care Lupus nephritis is a severe inflammation of the kidneys caused by the autoimmune disease lupus The government database, last updated on October 15, shows Novartis decided to conclude the study after completing the first part It gives no other explanation and does not say whether safety or effectiveness played a role Endpoints News reported the development earlier on Friday Novartis did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment The US FDA first approved Fabhalta in 2023 for a rare blood disorder called PNH. It has since been approved for two kidney diseases, IgA nephropathy and C3 glomerulopathy (Reporting by Kamal Choudhury in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar) ((Kamal.Choudhury@thomsonreuters.com)