Novartis takes another step into radioligand with Mariana Oncology buy

Swiss pharma giant Novartis (NOVN VX) has entered into an agreement to acquire USA-based biotech start-up Mariana Oncology, which is focused on developing novel radioligand therapies (RLTs) to treat cancers with high unmet patient need.

Marking the fourth M&A deal so far this year for the company, Novartis says the transaction bolsters its RLT pipeline and expands the company’s research infrastructure and clinical supply capabilities, supporting Novartis strategic priorities in oncology and RLT platform innovation.

The acquisition encompasses a robust 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.