Novartis Secures $50M Upfront License for Radioligand Therapy Asset

NVSNVS

Novartis has obtained an exclusive worldwide license from Zonsen PepLib for a novel peptide-based radioligand therapy asset, paying USD 50 million upfront and qualifying for additional development, regulatory and sales milestone payments plus tiered royalties. The deal expands Novartis’ radioligand therapy portfolio and leverages its global development and commercialization capabilities.

1. Novartis Strengthens gMG Pipeline with Oral Complement Inhibitor

Novartis’ investigational therapy iptacopan (FABHALTA) has emerged as a cornerstone of the generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) market outlook, targeting patients who exhibit inadequate response to second- or third-line standard treatments. In Phase III development for anti-AChR–positive gMG, iptacopan works by inhibiting complement Factor B, thereby preventing formation of C3 and C5 convertases and reducing immune-mediated tissue injury. The company plans to submit pivotal Phase III data by 2027, positioning FABHALTA as a potential first-in-class oral complement inhibitor. DelveInsight projects that the 7 major markets (7MM) will grow from approximately 205,000 prevalent cases in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate through 2034, with the United States maintaining the largest share. As Novartis targets refractory gMG, the oral administration and upstream mechanism of iptacopan could redefine treatment sequencing and support long-term disease control in a market historically dominated by symptomatic and broadly immunosuppressive therapies.

2. Radioligand Therapy License Deal Bolsters Novartis Oncology Leadership

In a strategic move to expand its radioligand therapy (RLT) franchise, Novartis has secured an exclusive worldwide license from Zonsen PepLib Biotech for an undisclosed peptide-based asset. Under the agreement, Novartis will assume development and commercialization responsibilities, leveraging its global RLT capabilities. PepLib received an upfront payment of USD 50 million and stands to earn additional development, regulatory and sales milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on net sales. The asset, internally advanced by PepLib since 2017, is expected to complement Novartis’ existing portfolio of next-generation RLTs and support its ambition to deliver targeted oncology treatments. With over 200 employees—more than 80% in R&D—PepLib’s proprietary peptide libraries and discovery platforms align with Novartis’ strategy to bring novel peptide radionuclide conjugates and related modalities to patients worldwide.

Sources

ZBG