How Did Novartis’s Established Medicines Segment Perform in 2017?

In 4Q17, Novartis’s (NVS) Galvus generated revenues of $327 million, which is ~10% growth on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis and 5% growth quarter-over-quarter. In fiscal 2017, Galvus generated revenues of $1.23 billion compared to $1.19 billion in 2016, which reflected ~3% growth on a YoY basis.

The solid growth in Japan and emerging markets was primarily the result of Galvus’s revenue growth. In 2017, Galvus was listed on China’s national reimbursement drug list, which helpled the sales growth in the country. Galvus is used for the treatment of type-two diabetes. In the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 class of anti-diabetes drugs, Galvus competes with AstraZeneca’s (AZN) Onglyza, Eli Lilly’s (LLY) Tradjenta, and Merck’s (MRK) Januvia.

In 4Q17, Novartis’s Diovan reported revenues of $244 million, a ~5% decline on a YoY basis and 6% growth quarter-over-quarter. In fiscal 2017, Diovan reported revenues of $957 million compared to $1.1 billion in 2016, which is an ~11% decline on a YoY basis. The loss of market exclusivity was primarily the result of a decline of revenues of Diovan. Diovan competes with Merck’s (MRK) Cozaar and AstraZeneca’s (AZN) Candesartan.

In 4Q17, Exforge reported revenues of $249 million compared to $237 million in 4Q16, which reflected ~5% growth on a YoY basis and 2% growth quarter-over-quarter. In 2017, Exforge reported revenues of $960 million compared to $926 million in 2016, which is ~4% growth on a YoY basis. In the US and Japan markets, Exforge witnessed growth despite generic competition. Exforge also witnessed growth in emerging markets.

In 4Q17, Voltaren/Cataflam reported revenues of $119 million, which is a ~13% decline on a YoY basis and 1% growth quarter-over-quarter. In 2017, Voltaren/Cataflam generated revenues of $465 million compared to $525 million.

In 4Q17, Exelon/Exelon Patch generated revenues of $88 million compared to $114 million in 4Q16, which reflected a ~23% YoY decline and a ~7% decline quarter-over-quarter. In 2017, Exelon/Exelon Patch generated revenues of $381 million, which reflected a ~14% decline on a YoY basis.

Exelon and Exelon Patch witnessed a decline primarily due to increased competition from the generic versions of the drug in the US and European markets.

In 4Q17, Ritalin/Focalin reported revenues of $74 million, which is ~1% growth on a YoY basis. In fiscal 2017, Ritalin/Focalin reported revenues of $236 million compared to $282 million in 2016, which is a ~16% YoY decline.