Argo Biopharma signs multi-asset licence and option agreements with Novartis for cardiovascular disease treatments
Friday, September 05, 2025
Argo Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Argo Biopharma), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation siRNA medicines, has entered into new agreements with Novartis for several cardiovascular assets from its pipeline. This marks the third transaction between the two companies, further extending their existing collaboration.
The latest agreement grants Novartis an option to license ex-China rights to two discovery-stage molecules targeting severe hypertriglyceridaemia (sHTG) and mixed dyslipidaemia, as well as a right of first negotiation for BW-00112 (ANGPTL3), currently in Phase II trials in the U.S. and China.
In addition, the companies have agreed on a licence with reciprocal options to share profit and loss in both the U.S. and China for a hepatic-delivered siRNA candidate now in IND-enabling studies. This candidate is expected to begin a multi-regional Phase I trial in 2026. Under the arrangement, Novartis will hold ex-China rights and a profit and loss option in China, while Argo will retain a similar option in the U.S.
Argo will receive an upfront payment of $160 million and may earn milestone and option payments of up to $5.2 billion, along with tiered royalties on future sales. Novartis has also indicated a non-binding intention to join Argo’s next equity financing round, subject to standard procedures.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 20.5 million deaths in 2021, roughly one-third of all global fatalities. Argo continues to build its siRNA platform to develop differentiated therapies aimed at improving patient outcomes, supported by global research and development capabilities across Asia, the U.S., and Europe.
Source: prnewswire.com
