Novartis, Argo Biopharma expand strategic alliance with USD 5.2 billion Cardiovascular drugs deal

“We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Novartis, a global leader in Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic areas,” said Dr. Dongxu Shu, Co-Founder, Chairman of the Board, and CEO of Argo Biopharma. “This new collaboration further supports the innovation engine Argo has built to deliver best-in-class siRNA therapeutics while building a top-tier clinical development team across multiple geographies. Argo’s ambition is to become a global biotech, and corporate development activities are an important component to expand the reach of our hepatic and ex-hepatic siRNA therapeutics.”

“Long-acting siRNAs which are designed to deeply and durably target disease-causing proteins represent an important paradigm shift in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. We are excited to build on our work with Argo through these new agreements, which include additional molecules,” said Dr. Shaun Coughlin, Global Head of Cardiovascular and Metabolism at Novartis Biomedical Research. “Novartis is committed to advancing innovative treatments for patients with cardiovascular conditions, and our collaboration with Argo further strengthens our efforts to advance potential new therapies that address unmet medical needs.”

This most recent collaboration between Argo and Novartis includes an option granted to Novartis to license ex-China rights to two discovery-stage next generation molecules for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) and mixed dyslipidemia and a right of first negotiation to BW-00112 (ANGPTL3), which is currently in Phase II in the U.S. and China, following a combination trial conducted by Argo. It also includes license with reciprocal options to share in Profit & Loss (P&L) in the U.S. and China for an additional hepatic-delivered siRNA candidate currently in IND-enabling studies and expected to commence a multi-territorial Phase I in 2026. Novartis to receive an ex-China license to the molecule along with a P&L option in China while Argo to receive a P&L option in the U.S.

Under the terms of the agreement, Argo will receive an upfront payment of $160 million and is eligible to receive potential milestone and option payments of a combined potential value of up to $5.2 billion, as well as tiered royalties on commercial sales. In addition, Novartis has expressed its non-binding intention to participate in Argo’s next round of equity financing. Such participation (including the amount and timing) remains subject to customary due diligence, negotiation of and entry into definitive documentation.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. In 2021, 20.5 million people died from a cardiovascular condition, around one-third of all global deaths. siRNA therapeutics have the potential for enhanced therapeutic applicability with differentiated efficacy and dosing profile, potentially improving patient outcomes and adherence. Argo deploys a highly efficient discovery and development strategy by leveraging global resources across Asia, the United States, and Europe to create differentiated molecules for patients in need.

BofA Securities served as financial advisor to Argo Biopharma on this transaction.