Novartis gains paediatric HS approval for Cosentyx and $1.7bn peptide licensing deal
Novartis secured FDA approval for Cosentyx in paediatric hidradenitis suppurativa patients aged ≥12 years and ≥30kg, marking the first IL-17A inhibitor indication in this group. The company also licensed Unnatural Products’ macrocyclic peptide platform under a deal worth up to $1.7 billion in cardiovascular milestones.
1. Pediatric HS Approval Expands Cosentyx Label
Novartis obtained FDA approval to use Cosentyx (secukinumab) in patients aged 12 and above weighing at least 30kg with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. This marks the first interleukin-17A inhibitor indication in this demographic, enabling weight-based dosing extrapolated from adult HS and psoriasis studies.
2. $1.7bn Licensing Deal Bolsters Cardiovascular Pipeline
Novartis entered into a licensing agreement with Unnatural Products for its macrocyclic peptide platform targeting cardiovascular diseases, with up to $1.7 billion in potential milestone payments. The deal complements a $45 million Series B financing round for Unnatural Products led by The Venture Collective, underlining investor confidence in the technology’s ability to address previously undruggable targets.