Pharma Giant Novartis To Acquire Mariana Oncology For USD 1 Billion

Novartis, a leading innovative medicines company, has announced its intention to acquire Mariana Oncology, a US-based biotechnology firm that specializes in the development of novel radioligand therapies (RLTs) to treat cancers with a high unmet patient need.

The transaction supports Novartis's oncology and RLT platform innovation strategic priorities and expands the company's research infrastructure and clinical supply capabilities.

The acquisition includes a substantial portfolio of RLT programs for various solid tumor indications, including breast, prostate, and lung cancer, from lead optimization to early development. Development candidate MC-339 is an actinium-based RLT being studied for small-cell lung cancer.

“The acquisition of Mariana Oncology reflects our commitment to radioligand therapy as one of our company’s key technology platforms and strengthens our leadership in this field,” said Fiona Marshall, president of biomedical research at Novartis. “We are excited to work with the Mariana team to bring forward next-generation RLTs for patients living with cancer and together shape the future of RLT as a pillar for oncology treatment.”

“As pioneers in radioligand therapies, we are dedicated to building on our scientific leadership and expanding the breadth of these potentially transformative treatments to a broader range of cancer types,” said Shiva Malek, global head of oncology for biomedical research at Novartis. “This acquisition brings to Novartis phenomenal talent and new capabilities in RLT research that complement our wide-ranging internal efforts to explore novel isotopes, combinations, disease areas, and more.”