Novartis (NVS) CEO Vas Narasimhan told the Wall Street Journal the company is searching for next-generation obesity drug candidates, even if its main focus remains on therapeutic areas where it currently has an established presence. “The bar is very high, we need to find something that’s truly differentiated, that brings something new,” Narasimhan said. Novartis is moving ahead with its own in-house obesity program that is at an early stage of development and has yet to enter human clinical trials, Narasimhan added. “We really need to find a unique opportunity,” Narasimhan noted. Shares of Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) moved higher following the Journal’s report of the interview. The stock in morning trading is up 3% to $32.46. Terns Pharmaceuticals (TERN) also moved higher and is up 1% to $4.43.
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