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November 12, 2026

Takeaways from the most recent news in the technology and policies shaping healthcare.

Finance

Novartis Lp(a) Drug Lowers Risk Marker but Fails on Outcomes

By Healthcare Technology News ·

Novartis delivered an unwelcome surprise at the American Heart Association conference: its drug pelacarsen dramatically lowered lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk marker tied to cardiovascular disease, but did not reduce the chance of heart attack or stroke, according to STAT News.

The result is a genuine medical mystery. For years, drugmakers have treated elevated Lp(a) as a promising target, assuming that lowering the marker would translate into fewer cardiovascular events. Pelacarsen was among the most advanced tests of that thesis. Its failure to improve hard outcomes, despite hitting its biological target, suggests the link between Lp(a) and heart disease may be more complicated than the field assumed.

The stakes extend beyond Novartis. Rival programs, including candidates from Amgen and Eli Lilly, are chasing the same target. If lowering Lp(a) does not prevent events, billions in research spending and a key cardiovascular strategy come into question. Investigators and investors will now scrutinize the full data for clues on what went wrong.

Sources

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Finance

McLeod Health Operating Income Drops 9.7% as Costs Rise

McLeod Health's operating income fell 9.7% to $137.5 million in fiscal 2026 as expenses grew faster than its 8% revenue increase.

Why it matters: It shows that even revenue-growing health systems are losing margin as costs outpace reimbursement.

Finance

Novo's Ziltivekimab Flops, But Cardiologists Stay Bullish

Novo Nordisk's ziltivekimab missed in the ZEUS cardiovascular trial, but cardiologists say the anti-inflammatory approach to heart disease remains valid.

Why it matters: Anti-inflammatory therapy is one of the biggest bets in cardiovascular medicine, and how the field reacts to a high-profile failure shapes billions in future R&D.

Finance

Pennsylvania Revokes Sharon Regional Hospital License

Pennsylvania revoked Sharon Regional Medical Center's license and ordered it to close after its utility moved to cut power over an unpaid bill.

Why it matters: An unpaid electricity bill forcing a hospital's closure shows how severe financial distress can abruptly cut off care for an entire community.