The lower benefit in the olmesartan arm of KARDIA-2 could draw scrutiny, but the company said it was expected and noted polypharmacy is common in hypertension.

Seven novel agents approved in March include one accelerated approval, two rare pediatric disease priority review vouchers, two breakthrough therapy designations and one regenerative medicine advance therapy designation.

The family-owned German firm's legacy lies in the cardiometabolic space but it has been building a pipeline across a range of neuropsychiatric diseases. The collaboration with Sosei Heptares, which has been sealed with a upfront payment of €25m, will focus on schizophrenia.

Crowded calendar could bring to an end the slow start for novel approvals in 2024, as decisions come due for Lilly’s donanemab, Merck’s sotatercept, Regeneron’s odronextamab and more.