Novartis Deepens RNAi Partnership with Argo Biopharma in $5.36B Cardiovascular Deal
Argo Biopharma and Novartis struck their third RNAi deal, focused on cardiovascular assets. With $160M upfront and $5.36B milestone potential, the collaboration spans ANGPTL3, dyslipidemia siRNAs, and IND-ready hepatic candidates.
Argo Biopharma has entered a new multi-asset licensing and option agreement with Novartis (NYSE: NVS) covering several cardiovascular siRNA candidates. The transaction marks the third collaboration between the two companies and underscores Novartis’ continued push into RNAi therapeutics for cardiometabolic diseases.
Deal Structure
- Upfront & Equity: Argo will receive $160 million upfront and Novartis has expressed a non-binding intention to participate in Argo’s next equity financing round.
- Milestones & Royalties: Potential option and milestone payments up to $5.2 billion, plus tiered royalties on global sales.
- Profit & Loss Options: Reciprocal P&L sharing rights in the U.S. and China for select assets.
Pipeline Assets Covered
- BW-00112 (ANGPTL3, siRNA): Currently in Phase II trials in the U.S. and China for dyslipidemia. Novartis gains right of first negotiation following Argo-led combination studies.
- Discovery-stage siRNA (for sHTG & mixed dyslipidemia): Novartis receives ex-China option rights.
- Hepatic siRNA (IND-enabling): Expected to start a multi-regional Phase I in 2026. Licensed to Novartis for ex-China markets, with reciprocal P&L sharing in U.S./China.
Strategic Significance
- For Novartis: Builds on its Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism (CRM) leadership by adding long-acting siRNA molecules with potential for durable protein knockdown and improved adherence.
- For Argo: Validates its RNAi discovery platform and secures a multi-billion-dollar global partner, while retaining P&L options in key geographies.
This deal follows the January 2024 Argo–Novartis partnership ($185M upfront, >$4B milestones), reflecting Novartis’ confidence in Argo’s RNAi pipeline.
Context in China and Beyond
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death, with ~20.5 million deaths in 2021 (≈1/3 of global mortality). RNAi therapies targeting lipid metabolism regulators (e.g., ANGPTL3, ApoC3, PCSK9) are rapidly emerging as a new treatment paradigm.
In China, the dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia market is expanding, with domestic players (e.g., Innovent, Hansoh, Regor) also advancing cardiometabolic RNAi programs. Argo’s dual U.S./China clinical footprint positions it as a strategic bridge biotech, leveraging cross-border trials and deal structures.
Source
- Argo Biopharma Press Release, Sep. 3, 2025.