Novartis Reports Phase 3 Data for Iscalimab in Kidney Transplant Rejection Prevention

Novartis today announced results from the Phase 3 CIRRUS-1 trial evaluating iscalimab, an anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody, versus tacrolimus in kidney transplant recipients. Iscalimab demonstrated non-inferiority to tacrolimus in preventing acute rejection at 12 months, while offering a potentially improved safety profile with lower rates of nephrotoxicity and metabolic complications. These results support iscalimab as a potential calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression regimen for kidney transplant patients and Novartis plans to submit for regulatory approval.