Successful Alliances: Novartis and Idenix Share the Secrets of Success

When it comes to infectious diseases, biotech start-up Idenix is on a mission: to provide patients with treatments that are more effective, more tolerable, and safer than current standards of care. Though small, the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company is well poised to become a leader in the global antiretroviral market: It has experienced top management, a strong background in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, and a pipeline of novel treatments for hepatitis B and C and HIV. Until a couple years ago, all Idenix lacked was a financial backer to help pay the way.