Stalicla to acquire rights to Novartis cocaine addiction candidate

Stalicla, a Swiss company specializing in the identification of specific phenotypes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has entered into an exclusive in-licensing agreement with pharma giant Novartis (NOVN: VX) to develop mavoglurant (AFQ056) as a treatment for substance-use disorder and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).

Mavoglurant has previously been tested in more than 1,800 patients and demonstrated a good safety and tolerability profile following promising results from a Phase II study conducted with mavoglurant in cocaine-use disorder (CUD; NCT03242928), Stalicla is now preparing to advance mavoglurant into Phase III development for the treatment of CUD.

Under the terms of the accord, Stalicla has acquired worldwide rights to mavoglurant for substance-use disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and other indications in exchange for upfront fees and equity, and development and commercial milestones of up $270 million, plus royalties on sales.