How Is Novartis’s Xolair Positioned after 4Q17?

In 4Q17, Novartis’s (NVS) Xolair generated revenues of $247 million, which reflected ~14% growth on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis and ~1% growth on a quarter-over-quarter basis. In fiscal 2017, Xolair reported revenues of $920 million compared to $835 million in 2016, which reflected ~10% growth on a YoY basis.

Xolair is used for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (or CSU). Xolair’s peers include GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) Nucala and Teva Pharmaceuticals’ (TEVA) Cinqair.

On March 2018, the new global guideline on chronic urticarial recommended Xolair for the treatment of CSU. Presently, Xolair is the only licensed therapy for the treatment of individuals with CSU. In clinical trials, patients on 12 weeks of Xolair therapy demonstrated 78% improvement in their quality of life, measured by the DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index) compared to 44% for patients on placebo therapy. The global recognition of Xolair is expected to further boost the drug’s sales growth in 2018.

In 4Q17, Novartis’s (NVS) Ultribro Breezhaler generated revenues of $120 million, which reflected ~33% growth on a YoY basis and 19% growth on a quarter-over-quarter basis. In fiscal 2017, the Ultibro Breezhaler generated revenues of $411 million, which is ~13% growth on a YoY basis.

In February 2018, Novartis presented the results of the Claim trial. In the Claim trial, the Ultribro Breezhaler demonstrated improved lung and cardiac function compared to the placebo in individuals with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) with lung hyperinflation. Novartis’s Breezhalers compete with AstraZeneca’s (AZN) Pulmicort and Symbicort.

In 4Q17, the Seebriz Breezhaler and Onbrez Breezhaler generated revenues of $42 million and $29 million, respectively, which is a ~11% increase and a 19% decline on a YoY basis. In 2017, the Seebriz Breezhaler and the Onbrez Breezhaler saw revenues of $149 million and $143 million, respectively, ~1% and 22% declines on a YoY basis.