Novartis To Acquire UK-Based Biotechnology Company Myricx Bio For $1.1 Bn

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The acquisition aims to strengthen Novartis’ oncology pipeline and advance targeted cancer therapies with new payload mechanisms.

Novartis has entered into an agreement to acquire Myricx Bio, a privately held UK biotechnology company developing a new class of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) using N-myristoyltransferase inhibitor (NMTi) payloads. The acquisition aims to strengthen Novartis’ oncology pipeline and advance targeted cancer therapies with new payload mechanisms.

Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will pay $1.1 billion upfront, along with up to $400 million in potential milestone payments. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Myricx Bio’s technology focuses on NMT inhibitor payloads designed to deliver cancer-killing activity directly to tumour cells through ADCs. The platform is intended to address limitations associated with existing ADC payload classes, including topoisomerase-1 (TOPO-1) inhibitors, particularly in resistant tumour models.

The company is developing two lead ADC programmes targeting B7-H3 and HER2, with potential applications across multiple solid tumour indications. Preclinical studies indicate that NMT inhibition may disrupt essential cellular processes involved in cancer cell growth and survival, including in models resistant to current ADC payload approaches.

“ADCs have become an important part of cancer treatment, but there remains a clear need for new payload mechanisms to overcome resistance and expand their impact for patients,” said Fiona Marshall, president of biomedical research at Novartis.

The acquisition would provide Novartis access to Myricx Bio’s NMTi payload platform and the opportunity to explore the technology across additional targets and ADC programmes if clinical validation is achieved.

ADC therapies combine antibodies that recognise specific tumour markers with cytotoxic payloads designed to kill cancer cells. The development of new payload mechanisms remains a key focus area in oncology research as companies seek to improve treatment responses and address resistance challenges.

Novartis’ oncology portfolio spans solid tumours, haematological cancers and radioligand therapies. The company continues to invest in targeted treatment approaches and drug discovery platforms aimed at developing new cancer therapies.

The proposed acquisition of Myricx Bio adds another platform to Novartis’ oncology research efforts, expanding its focus on next-generation targeted drug conjugates.

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