Novartis has agreed to pay $125 million to Sironax to acquire a technology platform designed to help deliver large drug molecules across the blood-brain barrier.
Focus on Brain Diseases
The blood-brain barrier makes it difficult for many medicines, including antibodies and other large molecules, to reach the brain. As a result, researchers have faced challenges developing treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease and ALS.
Expanding Neuroscience Research
As per Fierce Biotech, Novartis initially secured an option to acquire Sironax’s platform and exercised that option about 14 months later. The deal will give Novartis greater access to technology aimed at delivering medicines to the central nervous system.
Sironax to Retain Some Rights
Meanwhile, Sironax will retain rights to use the technology for certain assets. The company will also use the funds to advance its existing clinical-stage programmes and expand its pipeline.
The deal adds another brain-delivery technology to Novartis’ neuroscience research efforts as the company explores new ways to overcome the blood-brain barrier.