Novartis has agreed to acquire Mariana Oncology, a Watertown, Massachusetts-based bio/pharmaceutical company developing radioligand therapies (RLTs) to treat cancers, in a deal worth up to $1.75 billion ($1 billion upfront and $750 million in potential milestone payments).  

The acquisition encompasses a portfolio of RLT programs spanning lead optimization to early development across a range of solid tumor indications such as breast, prostate and lung cancer. The assets also include a development candidate, MC-339, an actinium-based RLT being investigated in small cell-lung cancer. 

Novartis has two approved RLTs for certain patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and for certain types of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The company’s early and late pipeline has several programs in or entering the clinic for treating prostate cancer as well as other preclinical and discovery programs for other RTLs. The company is evaluating new isotopes and new combinations with complementary mechanisms of action as well as looking at new disease areas for RLTs. 

Under the agreement, Novartis will make an upfront payment of $1 billion and additional $750 million in payments upon completion of pre-specified milestones. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. 

Source: Novartis