Novartis has entered into an exclusive global licensing and collaboration agreement with SciNeuro Pharmaceuticals to develop and commercialize novel therapies for Alzheimer’s disease, in a deal valued at up to USD 1.7 billion.

Under the terms of the agreement, SciNeuro will receive an upfront payment of USD 165 million and is eligible for up to USD 1.5 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments. The deal also includes tiered royalties on net sales. Novartis will assume responsibility for late-stage development and worldwide commercialization.

The collaboration centers on a next-generation anti-amyloid beta antibody program, which incorporates SciNeuro’s proprietary technology designed to enhance transport across the blood–brain barrier, a major challenge in Alzheimer’s drug development. The approach aims to improve target engagement within the brain and potentially differentiate the therapy from existing amyloid-targeting treatments.

SciNeuro and Novartis will jointly conduct early-stage research and development activities, after which Novartis will take over full clinical development and commercialization globally.

Alzheimer’s disease represents one of the largest unmet medical needs worldwide, with limited disease-modifying treatment options currently available. The agreement reflects Novartis’s continued focus on strengthening its neuroscience pipeline through external innovation and strategic partnerships.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

SciNeuro Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases using advanced brain-delivery technologies.

Novartis is a global pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative medicines to address serious diseases across core therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, oncology, cardiovascular, renal, and immunology.