Life Sciences Daily Summary: What Happened on November 10, 2026

Pelacarsen lowered Lp(a), but not cardiovascular risk

Novartis’ Phase III HORIZON study found that pelacarsen reduced Lp(a) levels by nearly 80% after 12 months, without improving cardiovascular outcomes.1 The lack of benefit held across several outcome measures and subgroup analyses.1

The results distinguish a strong effect on the biomarker from a clinical benefit and cast doubt on Lp(a) as a treatment target.1

Vir’s hepatitis D combination met its Phase III primary endpoint

Vir Biotechnology said elebsiran and tobevibart met the primary endpoint in ECLIPSE 1, a Phase III trial in chronic hepatitis delta.2 At week 48, 44% of participants receiving monthly injections had undetectable virus and normalized alanine aminotransferase (ALT). No one in the delayed-treatment group had this outcome at week 12.2

A key secondary endpoint found undetectable viral levels in 79% of treated participants at week 48, compared with none in the comparator arm.2 One treatment-related Grade 3 adverse event, a temporary drop in neutrophils, resolved within 15 days. No participants stopped or interrupted treatment.2

In the Phase II SOLSTICE study, all 28 patients who completed 96 weeks of treatment had undetectable virus.2 In an exploratory group of 10 who stopped treatment after 96 weeks, all maintained a viral response 12 weeks later without rebound.2

FDA approves Bayer’s Sunharbo to lower recurrent stroke risk

The FDA approved Bayer’s Sunharbo alongside antiplatelet therapy for adults after a recent mild-to-moderate ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack. It is the first factor XIa inhibitor approved for this use.3

In the Phase III OCEANIC-STROKE trial, Sunharbo reduced ischemic stroke risk by 26% compared with placebo. Both groups also received antiplatelet therapy.3 Major bleeding rates were similar overall, but higher with Sunharbo in patients over 75 and during the first 90 days of treatment.3

Gastrointestinal bleeding was more common with Sunharbo, and diarrhea was the most frequent adverse reaction.3 The drug is not recommended for people with moderate or severe liver impairment, or for use with certain drugs, including carbamazepine, that may reduce its effectiveness.3

Compass files for FDA review of COMP360 in treatment-resistant depression

Compass Pathways submitted an FDA application for COMP360, backed by two Phase III trials and one Phase IIb study that together enrolled more than 1,000 people.4 All three studies met their primary endpoints.4

In COMP005, one 25 mg dose produced a 3.6-point greater reduction on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale than placebo at six weeks.4 In COMP006, two 25 mg doses given three weeks apart produced a 3.8-point greater reduction than a 1 mg active control at six weeks.4

Compass said improvements began the day after dosing and continued through week 26 in both trials.4 The company is preparing for a possible U.S. launch in the first half of 2027, conditional on FDA approval and Drug Enforcement Administration rescheduling.4

Boehringer agrees to pay $358 million upfront for options on six Sino programs

Boehringer Ingelheim agreed to pay Sino Biopharmaceutical $358 million upfront for options on six preclinical programs, including antibody-drug conjugates and T-cell engagers.5 The deal includes up to $7 billion in potential milestone payments.5

Charles River to buy Frontage’s Pennsylvania testing operations for $470 million

Charles River signed agreements to acquire Frontage’s Pennsylvania bioanalysis and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics operations for about $470 million in cash, with up to $75 million more tied to future financial performance.6

The two Exton sites employ nearly 340 people and generated about 40% of Frontage’s $256.7 million in 2025 revenue.6 The transaction could close in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals and court approval.6