Novartis Genetic Muscle Disorder Drug Fails Phase 3 Trial; Shares Drop Pre-Bell

03:58 AM EDT, 09/08/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Novartis (NVS) said Tuesday its phase 3 Harbor study evaluating delpacibart etedesiran in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 failed to meet its primary endpoint of video hand opening time. The drug candidate for the genetic muscular disorder displayed signs of clinical activity for its secondary endpoints measuring muscle strength, daily living activities, and mobility during the trial, the company said. The company is analyzing the full dataset to decide future development plans while maintaining its five-year annual sales growth target of 5% to 6% through 2030, Novartis said. Shares of the company were down by more than 13% in Tuesday premarket activity. Price: 138.80, Change: -21.19, Percent Change: -13.24