Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wordpress-seo domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6260 Novartis to Acquire Mariana Oncology for $1B Upfront | Contract Pharma

What are you searching for?

Sign in
Breaking News

Novartis to Acquire Mariana Oncology for $1B Upfront

Gains a portfolio of radioligand therapies across a range of solid tumor indications.

Author Image

By: Kristin Brooks

Managing Editor, Contract Pharma

Novartis has entered into an agreement to acquire Mariana Oncology, a preclinical-stage biotechnology company based in Watertown, MA focused on developing radioligand therapies (RLTs) to treat cancers. The transaction expands Novartis’ RLT pipeline and research infrastructure and clinical supply capabilities.


Under the agreement, Novartis will pay $1 billion upfront and additional $750 million in payments upon completion of pre-specified milestones.

The acquisition includes a portfolio of RLT programs spanning lead optimization to early development across a range of solid tumor indications such as breast, prostate and lung cancer, including development candidate MC-339, an actinium-based RLT being investigated in 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.”

RLTs are a form of precision medicine that combines a tumor-targeting molecule (ligand) with a therapeutic radioisotope. RLTs bind to specific receptors expressed on the surface of certain types of tumors. Once bound to a target cell, emissions from the therapeutic radioisotope cause DNA damage that can inhibit cell growth and replication and potentially trigger cell death. This targeted approach enables the delivery of radiation to the tumor, while limiting damage to the surrounding cells.

“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.”

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Get the latest Contract Pharma news, insights and analysis in your Google Search and AI experiences.

Add Contract Pharma as a preferred source on Google (opens in a new tab)

Keep Up With Our Content. Subscribe To Contract Pharma Newsletters

Topics