Novartis EULAR 2026 Presentations Showcase Expanding Scientific Focus in Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Sjögren’s Disease and Lupus

Novartis EULAR 2026 Presentations Showcase Expanding Scientific Focus in Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Sjögren’s Disease and Lupus

(IN BRIEF) Novartis will present 31 abstracts across its immunology portfolio at EULAR 2026 in London, highlighting new data for Cosentyx, ianalumab and rap-cel in several high-burden autoimmune diseases. Key presentations include results from REPLENISH, the largest global Phase III trial in polymyalgia rheumatica, evaluating Cosentyx in a disease area with substantial unmet need. The company will also share interim week 108 extension data for ianalumab in Sjögren’s disease, Phase II findings in systemic lupus erythematosus, and early clinical data for rap-cel, a CD19-directed CAR-T therapy, in systemic sclerosis, severe refractory idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and severe refractory systemic lupus erythematosus. The EULAR programme reflects Novartis’ broader strategy to advance multiple therapeutic approaches across immunology, including biologics and CAR-T cell therapy, as it seeks to improve outcomes for patients living with complex autoimmune diseases.

(PRESS RELEASE) BASEL, 1-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Novartis will present a broad set of new immunology data at the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology Congress 2026, underscoring continued progress across its portfolio for autoimmune diseases with complex treatment needs and significant unmet medical demand.

The company will share findings from 31 abstracts at EULAR 2026, taking place from June 3 to 6 in London. The presentations will cover several key assets in the Novartis immunology pipeline and marketed portfolio, including Cosentyx® (secukinumab), ianalumab and rap-cel, also known as rapcabtagene autoleucel or YTB323.

Among the major highlights will be new data from REPLENISH, the largest global Phase III trial ever conducted in polymyalgia rheumatica. Results from the study evaluating Cosentyx in this condition will be presented in an oral session, adding to the growing body of evidence around the medicine’s potential role in immune-mediated diseases beyond its established use in other inflammatory conditions.

Novartis will also present interim results for ianalumab from the Phase III extension study in Sjögren’s disease, with data extending up to week 108. In addition, Phase II results for ianalumab in systemic lupus erythematosus will be shared, further supporting the company’s efforts to explore therapies that address the underlying biology of autoimmune diseases.

Angelika Jahreis, Global Head of Immunology Development at Novartis, said the company remains focused on shaping the future of immunology through a range of scientific approaches, from small molecules and biologics to CAR-T cell therapy. She said the data being presented at EULAR for Cosentyx, ianalumab and rap-cel reflect Novartis’ commitment to diseases where patients continue to face substantial unmet needs, including polymyalgia rheumatica, Sjögren’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis.

Key accepted abstracts include an oral presentation on secukinumab in polymyalgia rheumatica, covering results from the Phase III REPLENISH trial, scheduled for June 3 from 4:30pm to 4:40pm BST. A related poster tour presentation will examine subgroup analyses of week 52 results from the multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled REPLENISH study.

Additional Cosentyx data will include a pooled analysis of the FUTURE 1 and FUTURE 5 trials in psoriatic arthritis, assessing the impact of early biologic use with secukinumab on radiographic progression. This poster tour presentation is scheduled for June 3.

Novartis will also present early data for rap-cel, its autologous CD19-directed CAR-T cell therapy. One oral abstract will report safety and early efficacy findings from the open-label AUTOGRAPH-IIM and AUTOGRAPH-SSC studies in severe refractory idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Another poster tour presentation will cover clinical, cellular kinetics, pharmacodynamic and biomarker data up to 24 months after rap-cel treatment in severe refractory systemic lupus erythematosus.

For ianalumab, the EULAR programme will include an oral presentation on efficacy and safety findings from the global Phase III NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 studies and their extension study in patients with Sjögren’s disease. Novartis will also present end-of-study results from a Phase II study evaluating subcutaneous ianalumab after B-cell recovery in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Novartis said its immunology work is built on a legacy of first-in-class innovation across rheumatology, dermatology and allergy, supported by a diverse pipeline aimed at advancing treatment options for people living with autoimmune diseases.

About Novartis Immunology 
At Novartis, we’re advancing bold science with the goal of bringing relief and a renewed sense of hope to people living with autoimmune diseases. Building on our legacy of first-in-class innovation across rheumatology, dermatology and allergy, and a diverse industry-leading pipeline, we’re committed to shaping what’s next in Immunology.

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SOURCE: Novartis