A Strategic Collaboration to Crack the Brain Barrier
Novartis has entered into a strategic agreement with China-based biotech Sironax to evaluate its cutting-edge blood-brain barrier (BBB) crossing technology. The deal grants Novartis the exclusive option to acquire the platform after a trial period, positioning the Swiss pharmaceutical giant at the forefront of innovative drug delivery methods targeting the brain.
Should Novartis decide to move forward with the acquisition, it will secure full global rights to the technology. In return, Sironax stands to gain up to $175 million in upfront and near-term payments, as announced in a press release dated July 9.
Unlocking the Potential of Brain Therapeutics
The technology in question is Sironax’s brain delivery module (BDM) platform, which is engineered to enhance drug delivery to the brain across multiple treatment modalities. This is a significant step forward in the pursuit of therapies for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, where delivering medicine past the blood-brain barrier has long posed a challenge.
While Novartis explores the platform, Sironax retains the right to continue developing certain unnamed pipeline programs that utilize the same BDM platform, ensuring the biotech remains actively involved in its innovation’s evolution.
Focus on Neurodegenerative and Inflammatory Diseases
Sironax’s most advanced clinical assets include two RIPK1 inhibitors: SIR9900 and SIR2446. These candidates are in early-stage phase 1a trials, targeting neurodegenerative and immune/inflammatory conditions, respectively. The RIPK1 pathway plays a key role in cell death and inflammation, making it a compelling target for treating age-related diseases.
Founded in 2018 by BeiGene co-founder Xiaodong Wang, Sironax was built on a mission to combat aging-related conditions. The company raised $200 million in its Series B round in 2022, backed by investors such as F-Prime Capital and ARCH Ventures.
Science Rooted in Aging Biology
Sironax’s research is centered on three pillars of aging biology: dysregulated cell death, uncontrolled inflammation, and disrupted energy homeostasis. With operations in both the U.S. and China, the company has maintained a global outlook in both its scientific development and strategic partnerships.
By focusing on these biological drivers, Sironax aims to create therapies that go beyond symptom management to address the root causes of age-related decline.
Breaking Through the Blood-Brain Barrier
The blood-brain barrier serves as a protective filter for the brain, regulating which substances can enter. While vital for protecting neural tissue, it also presents a major hurdle for drug developers targeting brain diseases. Overcoming this barrier has been a long-standing challenge in the pharmaceutical industry.
“Effectively delivering therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier remains one of the most important challenges in drug discovery,” said Robert Baloh, M.D., Ph.D., global head of neuroscience at Novartis’ Biomedical Research Institute. He expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting that the BDM platform could unlock next-generation therapies for patients in need.
Part of a Larger Neuroscience Push
Neuroscience is one of Novartis’ four key focus areas, along with oncology, immunology, and cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic conditions. With this agreement, the company signals its intent to lead the race in brain-targeted therapeutics, leveraging both internal capabilities and external innovation.
