Market Chatter: Novartis Reports Two Confirmed Tumor Cases Linked to Neuromuscular Gene Therapy

05:17 AM EST, 11/06/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Novartis (NVS) said testing has linked two tumor cases to its Zolgensma gene therapy, which treats spinal muscular atrophy, a rare genetic disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, Bloomberg reported Friday. Since its approval in 2019, nine tumor cases have been reported in patients treated with Zolgensma, the report said. Novartis told Bloomberg it continues to monitor safety reports and assess all reported cases, though it has not confirmed the type or location of the tumors. The drug's existing safety information warns of a potential tumor risk associated with the therapy's insertion into patients' DNA, Bloomberg reported. Novartis did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)