Novartis in $665 million deal for Selexys
pharmafile | November 21, 2016 | News story | Sales and Marketing | Novartis, SelG1, selexys
Novartis have confirmed the acquisition of Selexys Pharmaceuticals, after Selexys received positive results from a Phase II trial. Novartis had secured the right to acquire Selexys and their SelG1 antibody back in 2012 and have now exercised this right, in a deal that could potentially rise to $665 million.
The drug in question, SelG1, is used in the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is a hereditary blood disorder that is characterised by sickle-shaped red blood cells. The condition is of varying severity, it can potentially be life threatening as the sickle-shaped red blood cells can block the flow of blood through blood vesssels.
The drug’s form of action is through an anti-P-selectin antibody, which reduces vaso-occlusive pain. The large Phase II displayed results positive enough for Novartis to acquire the Oklahoma based company. The results from the trial will be presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting on 4 December.
“Sickle cell disease affects millions of people around the world and there are limited therapies available for treatment of vaso-occlusive pain crises, a very common complication of the disease,” said Bruno Strigini, CEO of Novartis Oncology. “With this acquisition, Novartis is able to leverage its leadership in hematology research to advance development of a potential new treatment option for patients living with this debilitating condition.”
“We would like to extend our gratitude to all of the dedicated patients, physicians and nurses who participated in the SUSTAIN study of SelG1 in sickle cell disease,” said Dr. Scott Rollins, former president and CEO of Selexys Pharmaceuticals. “Further, the acquisition of Selexys by Novartis represents an important step in the continued development of SelG1, a novel, potential first-in-class therapy for patients with this underserved life-threatening disease.”
Ben Hargreaves
Related Content
Scotland starts newborn screening for SMA
As part of a two-year evaluation funded by the Scottish government and Novartis, Scotland will …
Novartis receives SMC approval for early breast cancer treatment
Novartis has announced that its treatment for early breast cancer, Kisqali (ribociclib), has received approval …
Novartis candidate for Sjögren’s disease presents positive results
Novartis has reported positive results from two phase 3 clinical trials – NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 …
