Novartis to acquire radiopharma firm Mariana

Novartis has announced its acquisition of Mariana Oncology, a Massachusetts-based company, in a move that will bolster its portfolio of novel radioligand therapies aimed at addressing cancers with significant unmet needs. The acquisition includes a diverse range of radiopharmaceutical programs, which span from lead optimization to early-stage development. These programs target various solid tumor types, including breast, prostate, and lung cancers.

One of the most notable assets in Mariana Oncology’s pipeline is MC-339, an actinium-based therapy currently being investigated for small cell lung cancer. This candidate stands out among the portfolio and represents a significant step forward in the treatment of this aggressive cancer type.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Novartis will pay an initial sum of $1 billion upfront, with an additional $750 million contingent upon the achievement of specific developmental milestones. This significant investment underscores Novartis' commitment to enhancing its oncology pipeline and expanding its capabilities in radiopharmaceuticals.

Novartis already has a strong foothold in the radiopharmaceutical sector with two approved drugs, Pluvicto and Lutathera. Lutathera, approved in 2018, is used to treat gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) and recently received pediatric approval for somatostatin receptor-positive GEP-NETs. Pluvicto, on the other hand, was approved in 2022 for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The addition of Mariana Oncology’s pipeline is expected to further strengthen Novartis' position in this growing field.

The acquisition of Mariana Oncology aligns with Novartis’ ongoing investment in its pipeline amidst a rising interest in the radiopharmaceutical space within the industry. Just last week, Novartis expanded its collaboration with PeptiDream, a Japan-based company. This collaboration, which originally began in 2010, focuses on peptide discovery. Under the extended agreement, PeptiDream will utilize its proprietary Peptide Discovery Platform System technology to identify and optimize new macrocyclic peptides. These peptides will be targeted for potential conjugation with radionuclides or other applications as selected by Novartis.

This series of strategic moves, including the acquisition of Mariana Oncology and the expanded partnership with PeptiDream, highlights Novartis' commitment to advancing its capabilities and leadership in the radiopharmaceutical sector. By integrating innovative therapies and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Novartis aims to address the significant unmet needs in cancer treatment and improve outcomes for patients worldwide.