Benzinga | Sep 3, 2021 07:10AM EDT

Novartis Stops Iscalimab Trial In Kidney Transplant Patients

* Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) has halted a Phase 2 trial of CFZ533 (iscalimab) in kidney transplant patients.

* The decision follows interim data that showed iscalimab was not as good as tacrolimus-based treatment in preventing organ rejection.

* Iscalimab's study in liver transplant continues, and additional studies exploring the drug as a potential treatment in other conditions.

* Novartis is continuing to review the data from the CIRRUS-1 study. Once complete, the company will share the results with the broader scientific community.

* Price Action: NVS shares closed 0.54% lower at $92.15 on Thursday.