Benzinga | Aug 17, 2021 06:17AM EDT

Novartis Shares Two Year Beovu Data From Diabetic Macular Edema Studies

* Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) has reported data from two Phase 3 trials assessing Beovu (brolucizumab) 6 mg versus Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc's (NASDAQ:REGN) Eylea (aflibercept) 2 mg in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).

* Two-year (week 100) data of the KITE study showed consistent results as one year of greater reductions versus aflibercept in central subfield thickness (CSFT), a number of eyes with retinal fluid (a biomarker of the disease), and maintenance of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

* Year two findings from KESTREL, another pivotal Phase 3 trial of Beovu in DME, are due to read out in Q4 of 2021.

* Another Phase 3 trial, KINGFISHER, met its primary endpoint of non-inferiority to aflibercept in the change in BCVA from baseline at year one (week 52) when dosed every four weeks.

* Further details of KITE and KINGFISHER will be presented at upcoming medical meetings.

* Related: Novartis Terminates Three Beovu Studies in Ocular Disorders Citing Patient Safety.

* Price Action: NVS shares closed 0.67% higher at $94.46 on Monday.