Novartis advances head-to-head superiority trials of Cosentyx® versus Humira®* and proposed biosimilar adalimumab**

Novartis International AG / Novartis advances head-to-head superiority trials of Cosentyx® versus Humira®* and proposed biosimilar adalimumab** . Processed and transmitted by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

• SURPASS is the first head-to-head superiority trial versus proposed biosimilar adalimumab** in ankylosing spondylitis (AS)[1]

• EXCEED is the first head-to-head superiority trial versus Humira^®* in psoriatic arthritis (PsA)[2]

• Cosentyx is a targeted biologic inhibiting IL-17A, cornerstone cytokine involved in the inflammation of entheses[3]

Basel, January 9, 2018 - Novartis announced today the initiation of SURPASS, a head-to-head clinical trial of Cosentyx^® (secukinumab) versus proposed biosimilar adalimumab** in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). SURPASS is the first head-to-head clinical trial in AS investigating superiority of Cosentyx in slowing spinal bone damage versus proposed biosimilar adalimumab**. SURPASS is currently recruiting patients, with the 'first patient first visit' already achieved in November 2017.[1]

SURPASS and EXCEED are part of a larger rheumatology program for Cosentyx. EXCEED is a head-to-head clinical trial of Cosentyx versus Humira^®* (adalimumab) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), which is already recruiting. EXCEED is the first large double-blinded head-to-head clinical trial versus Humira^®* in PsA investigating superiority of Cosentyx on ACR 20 at 52 weeks as the primary endpoint.[2]

"The EXCEED and SURPASS head-to-head trials are addressing important clinical questions solving residual uncertainty for patients with PsA and AS," said Dr. Robert Landewé, Professor of Rheumatology in the Amsterdam Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Center & the Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, the Netherlands. "Head-to-head trials deliver the most robust data helping to advance clinical practice and are key to clinical decision making. In this case, these data would add to the body of evidence to underline the benefit of different biologic pathways for physicians."