Michael Lyson

Michael Lyson asked about Cosentyx's net pricing assumptions for Q4 in the U.S. and the context of the 25% utilization for step-up dosing in HS, inquiring how this has developed over the year.

Answer

CEO Vasant Narasimhan stated that Novartis expects stable net pricing for Cosentyx in Q4 and into next year, with no anticipated shifts. Regarding HS, he explained that the 25% step-up dosing (to every other week) indicates patients are persisting on Cosentyx rather than switching, which is an improvement from earlier in the year. He emphasized the need to further increase this percentage and focus on growing the overall HS market.

Michael Lyson asked about Cosentyx's net pricing assumptions for Q4 in the U.S. and the context of the 25% step-up dosing utilization in HS, inquiring about its development over the year.

Answer

Vasant Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, stated that Cosentyx pricing is expected to be stable in Q4 and next year, with stable growth to nets. Regarding HS, he explained that the 25% step-up dosing reflects patients moving from monthly to every-other-week dosing rather than switching off Cosentyx, a strategy to retain share and persistence, which has stabilized after competitor entry. He reiterated the need to grow the overall HS market.