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Argo Biopharmaceuticals partners with Novartis to advance innovative siRNA therapies for cardiovascular diseases, enhancing treatment options and patient outcomes.
The agreement aims to explore Argo's Phase 2 Angptl3 in a combination trial for dyslipidemia with an option to license second-generation molecules in the pipeline.
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Argo Biopharmaceuticals announced it has entered a collaboration with Novartis for multiple cardiovascular assets in Argo’s pipeline. This collaboration comes as an addition to the two company’s previously established partnership, with this third exchange between the two companies focusing on assets from Argo’s pipeline.
"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."1
Included in the collaboration is the option for Novartis to license ex-China rights to two discovery-stage next generation molecules for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG), and mixed dyslipidemia. Novartis also receives the right of first negotiation to BW-00112 (ANGPTL3), which is currently in Phase II in the U.S and China, once Argo conducts a combination trial.
Novartis will be also be granted a license with reciprocal options allocating a share in profit & loss (P&L) in the U.S. and China, for a hepatic-delivered siRNA candidate currently in IND-enabling studies, and is expected to commence a multi-territorial Phase I in 2026.1 Novartis additionally will receive an ex-China license to the molecule along with a P&L option in China, meanwhile, Argo will receive a P&L option in the U.S.
Shaun Coughlin, global head of cardiovascular and metabolism at Novartis Biomedical Research, discussed the collaboration effort, saying, "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. 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."1
Argo is set to receive an upfront payment of $60 million, along with eligibility to receive potential milestone and option payments with a combined anticipated value upwards of $5.2 billion. Argo also holds eligibility to receive tiered royalties on commercial sales on siRNA treatments. Novartis also expressed its intention to engage in Argo’s next round of equity financing, although quantity of time and finances have yet to be disclosed as it is subject to customary due diligence and the negotiation of Novartis’ entrance.
Cardiovascular disease, one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, had an estimated 20.5 million people reported deceased from a cardiovascular condition in 2021.1 With siRNA therapeutics holding potential to enhance therapeutic applicability, along with differentiated efficacy and dosing profile, it potentially can improve both patient outcomes and adherence.
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