Novartis Strikes $5.2B-Plus siRNA Cardiovascular Deal with China's Argo Biopharma, Fueling Global Expansion

September 3,Argo Biopharma Announces New Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Novartis to Jointly Develop Multiple Cardiovascular ProductsThis newly reached agreement is a further expansion based on the existing cooperation between the two parties.

This collaboration involves multiple cardiovascular siRNA drugs, including:

• Options for the rights outside of China for two molecules in the early research stage, intended for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) and mixed dyslipidemia;

• BW-00112 (ANGPTL3) has been granted priority negotiation rights. The product is currently in Phase II clinical trials in the United States and China, and subsequent combination therapy clinical trials will be led by Argo Biopharma.

• Another preclinical siRNA drug has overseas rights, including reciprocal options to share profits and losses (P&L) in the United States and China. The product is expected to initiate Phase I clinical trials in 2026.

According to the agreement,Argo will receive an upfront payment of $160 million and is eligible for potential milestone and option payments, as well as tiered royalties on commercial sales, with a total potential milestone value of up to $5.2 billion.In addition, Novartis has expressed preliminary interest in participating in Argo Biopharma's next round of equity financing.

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death and illness worldwide. In 2021, 20.5 million people died from cardiovascular diseases, accounting for about one-third of global deaths.

In recent years, the advantages of siRNA therapy in the cardiovascular field have been gradually validated. Its differentiated efficacy and administration methods are expected to improve patients' treatment outcomes and compliance.

Argo Biopharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of small nucleic acid drugs, with an industry-leading siRNA technology platform. Its pipeline primarily covers cardiovascular metabolism, viral infections, and rare diseases.

Argo Product Pipeline

Image Source: Pharma Data

Previously,In January 2024, Argo Biopharma began its collaboration with Novartis.Signed two exclusive license and cooperation agreements. Novartis obtained the rights outside Greater China for a cardiovascular project currently in Phase 1/2a clinical trials, the global rights for a cardiovascular project currently in Phase 1 clinical trials, and options for up to two other cardiovascular projects. Argo Biopharma received an upfront payment of $185 million.The total potential collaboration amount is up to 4.165 billion US dollars.

This time, Novartis has once again invested a huge sum to collaborate with Argo Biopharma, demonstrating its confidence in Argo's siRNA drug development platform. The entry of the pharmaceutical giant will also accelerate the application of siRNA therapies in the cardiovascular field, bringing more treatment hope to patients.

Reference Source:

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/sDnz5bVmiRjindmaCQ4esA