Novartis Presents New Data on Rhapsido & Cosentyx at AAD 2026

Novartis Presents Promising Data for Dermatology Treatments at AAD 2026

Basel, Switzerland – March 23, 2026 – Novartis is showcasing new clinical data at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting this week, highlighting advancements in the treatment of chronic skin conditions like chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and psoriasis. The presentations center around two key immunology drugs in the company’s portfolio: Rhapsido® (remibrutinib) and Cosentyx® (secukinumab).

The data presented builds on existing evidence supporting the use of both drugs, but introduces new findings regarding speed of symptom relief with Rhapsido and long-term efficacy of Cosentyx. Notably, a pooled analysis of Phase 3 REMIX-1 and REMIX-2 trials indicates that Rhapsido demonstrates symptom control in CSU patients as early as week one, measured by changes in daily itch and hives severity scores. This rapid onset of action could represent a significant improvement for patients suffering from the debilitating condition.

Beyond CSU, Novartis is also presenting data reinforcing Cosentyx’s role in managing HS and psoriasis. Long-term data from pivotal trials demonstrate continued efficacy over four and five years, respectively. A particularly interesting finding is an indirect comparison of Cosentyx to bimekizumab, evaluating safety and flare prevention in HS patients. This comparison aims to provide clinicians with a more comprehensive understanding of the relative benefits and risks of different treatment options.

“Novartis data at this year’s AAD build on the robust body of evidence for the use of Rhapsido and Cosentyx in their approved dermatological indications,” stated Angelika Jahreis, Global Head, Immunology Development, Novartis. “These presentations also demonstrate the strength of our immunology portfolio and our ongoing efforts to help patients manage chronic diseases that significantly impact their lives and overall well-being.”

Rhapsido’s Potential Beyond Urticaria

While currently approved for CSU, Novartis is actively exploring Rhapsido’s potential in other allergic conditions. Data presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting in February February 23, 2026, showed promising Phase II results evaluating the drug’s safety and efficacy in treating peanut allergy. The company plans to initiate a Phase III program in food allergy (FA) later in 2026, signaling a potential expansion of Rhapsido’s therapeutic applications.

The Phase II data focused on IgE-mediated peanut allergy, a condition with limited treatment options. The upcoming Phase III program will be crucial in determining whether Rhapsido can offer a viable solution for individuals at risk of severe allergic reactions. This expansion into food allergy represents a strategic move for Novartis, leveraging the drug’s mechanism of action – a selective oral Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) – to address a broader range of immune-mediated diseases.

Cosentyx Continues to Demonstrate Long-Term Value

The data presented on Cosentyx underscores the drug’s sustained efficacy in HS and psoriasis. The four- and five-year data provide reassurance regarding the long-term benefits of continuous treatment, addressing a key concern for both patients and healthcare providers. Research is being conducted to optimize dosing regimens for adolescents with moderate to severe HS, utilizing model-informed drug development to personalize treatment approaches.

The indirect comparison with bimekizumab is particularly noteworthy, as it provides a head-to-head assessment of two leading therapies for HS. While not a direct trial, the analysis offers valuable insights into the relative safety and efficacy profiles of the two drugs, potentially influencing treatment decisions. The ongoing research and data collection surrounding Cosentyx demonstrate Novartis’s commitment to refining and expanding the use of this established therapy.

The presentations at AAD 2026 collectively highlight Novartis’s continued investment in immunology and its dedication to developing innovative treatments for chronic skin and allergic diseases. The focus on both rapid symptom relief and long-term disease control reflects a patient-centric approach, aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals living with these challenging conditions. Investors and healthcare professionals will be closely watching the progress of Rhapsido in food allergy and the continued evolution of Cosentyx as key drivers of growth for Novartis’s immunology portfolio.