Argo Biopharmaceutical has entered into an additional strategic collaboration with Novartis for multiple cardiovascular assets in Argo’s pipeline. The new agreements are in addition to the existing collaboration between the two companies and comprise their third transaction including assets from Argo’s pipeline.

“We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Novartis, a global leader in cardiovascular, renal and metabolic areas. This new collaboration further supports the innovation engine Argo has built to deliver the 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,” said Dr Dongxu Shu, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board, CEO, Argo Biopharma.

The collaboration between Argo and Novartis includes the following:

• An option granted to Novartis to license ex-China rights to two discovery-stage next generation molecules for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) and mixed dyslipidemia and a right of first negotiation to BW-00112 (ANGPTL3), which is currently in phase-II in the US and China, following a combination trial conducted by Argo.

• Licence with reciprocal options to share in Profit & Loss (P&L) in the US and China for an additional hepatic-delivered siRNA candidate currently in IND-enabling studies and expected to commence a multi-territorial phase-I in 2026. Novartis to receive an ex-China licence to the molecule, along with a P&L option in China while Argo to receive a P&L option in the US.

Under the terms of the agreement, Argo will receive an upfront payment of USD 160 million, and is eligible to receive potential milestone and option payments of a combined potential value of up to USD 5.2 billion, as well as tiered royalties on commercial sales. In addition, Novartis has expressed its non-binding intention to participate in Argo’s next round of equity financing. Such participation (including the amount and timing) remains subject to customary due diligence, negotiation of and entry into definitive documentation.

 “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 advance 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,” said Dr Shaun Coughlin, Global Head–Cardiovascular and Metabolism, Novartis Biomedical Research.