Novartis and Argo Biopharma Forge $5.36B Strategic Collaboration to Advance Cardiovascular siRNA Therapies

Over $4 Billion: Shanghai Argo Biopharma and Novartis Forge Multi-Project RNAi Exclusive Collaboration

This new cooperation agreement includes:

• Argo GrantedTwo Novartis molecules in the early research stageChinaOption for overseas rights, used for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG）And mixed dyslipidemia, as well asBW-00112（ANGPTL3）Product PriorityNegotiationAuthority. The product is currently in the United States and ChinaIIIn the clinical trial phase, subsequent trials involving combination therapy will be led by Argo.

• For anothersiRNA Candidate Drug in Preclinical Research Stage: Argo Biopharma Grants Novartis Exclusive License Outside of China, with Reciprocal Option to Share P&L in the U.S. and ChinaThe product is expected to initiate Phase I clinical trials in 2026.

• Argo will obtain$160 million upfront payment,And may receive potential milestone and option payments, as well as tiered royalties on commercial sales.Total Potential Milestone Value Up to $5.2 BillionMoreover, Novartis has expressed preliminary interest in participating in Argo Biopharma's next round of equity financing. The specific details of its participation (including the investment amount and timing) still require routine due diligence and will be determined through negotiations and the signing of a formal agreement by both parties.

About Argo Biopharma

Argo, founded in April 2021, is a privately-held biotechnology company headquartered in Shanghai, China. The company’s primary focus is on the research and development of RNAi therapeutics. Argo has developed an industry-leading RNAi platform technology named RADS (RNAi with Advanced Duration and Safety), showcasing its technical capabilities in delivery, chemical modification, and sequence design, consistently generating top-tier RNAi therapies.

Argo's current pipeline includes more than 20 therapeutic programs for the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, hematology, complement pathway diseases, viral infections, and neurodegenerative diseases. All five leading programs are in clinical development stages, demonstrating good tolerability, safety profiles, and first-in-class potential.