Novartis has extended its partnership with China-based Argo Biopharmaceutical through a new USD 5.36 billion agreement covering multiple cardiovascular siRNA programs, including exclusive ex-China rights to a pre-clinical candidate and option rights for two early-stage molecules targeting severe hypertriglyceridemia. The deal includes USD 160 million upfront payment with potential milestones and tiered royalties, plus Novartis' preliminary commitment to participate in Argo's next equity financing round.

The collaboration builds upon January 2024 agreements focused on ANGPTL3 inhibitor BW-00112, currently in Phase II trials in the US and China. Argo will lead combination therapy studies while Novartis gains priority negotiation rights for global development. The partnership addresses cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) causing 20.5 million annual deaths worldwide through siRNA platforms offering improved dosing convenience and patient adherence over conventional therapies.

PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database lists 214 CVD RNAi active projects globally, developed by 79 companies. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.