Novartis today announced that following an interim analysis of data from the CIRRUS-1 study, a decision has been taken to discontinue the trial.

• The analysis indicated that CFZ533 (iscalimab)-based treatment is less efficacious compared to tacrolimus-based treatment in the prevention of organ rejection in patients receiving a kidney transplant. Both CFZ533 and tacrolimus were used in combination with other immunosuppressive therapies (induction therapy, mycophenolate and corticosteroids).
• Study of CFZ533 in liver transplant continues, as do studies exploring CFZ533 as a potential treatment in other conditions, such as hidradenitis suppurativa and Sj?gren?s syndrome.

Novartis is continuing to review the data from the CIRRUS-1 study. Once complete, results will be shared with the broader scientific community.