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Novartis: What’s the Real Power Behind Kisqali’s Lifecycle Strategy and Next-Gen CDK Push?

Novartis International AG reported its financial and operational results for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a mixed performance amid ongoing challenges from U.S. generic competition and continued investment in research and development. The company experienced a 5% decline in overall sales, primarily driven by generic erosion, notably in established products such as Entresto, Promacta, and Tasigna. Core operating income dropped 14% relative to the prior period, influenced by both lower sales and increased R&D expenditures. Despite these pressures, Novartis reaffirmed its full-year guidance projecting low single-digit sales growth and a modest decline in core operating income, anticipating a two-phase year with a more pronounced recovery in the second half as generic impacts diminish. Sales growth was predominantly propelled by the company’s priority brands and recent product launches, which together exhibited a 34% growth rate in constant currency.