Both Novartis and Collegium announced acquisition agreements for a pan-mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor, an Azstarys respectfully.
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The acquisitions highlight continued consolidation across oncology and CNS therapeutics, as Novartis and Collegium Pharmaceutical each moved to strengthen their pipelines through targeted deals.
Novartis acquires next-generation breast cancer drug for up to $3 billion
Novartis has agreed to acquire SNV4818, a pan-mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor being developed for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, in a deal worth $2 billion upfront and upwards of $1 billion in milestone payments.1
The acquisition is structured as a purchase of Pikavation Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Synnovation Therapeutics that holds the PI3Kα inhibitor portfolio including SNV4818.1
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026.
SNV4818 is currently in a Phase I/II clinical trial for breast cancer and other advanced solid tumors. The drug targets a well-established vulnerability in HR+/HER2- breast cancer. PI3Kα, mutations are present in approximately 40% of patients with the subtype and are associated with worse disease prognosis.1
What differentiates SNV4818 from existing PI3Kα inhibitors is its selectivity as current approved options block both the mutated and normal forms of the enzyme, causing tolerability problems that make consistent dosing difficult.1 SNV4818 is designed to target only the mutated form found in tumor cells, sparing healthy tissue and potentially enabling more durable treatment and easier combination with hormonal therapies and CDK inhibitors.
Shreeram Aradhye, president of development at Novartis, said the drug applies new mutant-selective chemistry to more precisely target tumor biology. "This approach has the potential to translate proven biology into improved tolerability and more durable benefit for patients through precision medicine," he said.