Pharma BD Deal Intelligence
Novartis licensed Agenus' anti-PD-1 antibody balstilimab for up to $2,560M in an immuno-oncology combination deal targeting cervical cancer and other solid tumors. The option-based structure left Agenus dependent on Novartis advancing the asset through later-stage development.
Novartis licensed Agenus' anti-PD-1 antibody balstilimab (AGEN2034) for global development in immuno-oncology combinations.
1.9M US cases/yr · $200.0B Global oncology market
Solid tumors encompass all non-hematologic cancers. IO checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapies, and ADCs have transformed treatment across multiple tumor types. Pan-tumor approvals (e.g., MSI-H, NTRK) enable biomarker-driven approaches.
IO combinations, ADCs, and bispecifics driving growth. Tumor-agnostic approvals expanding. Key platforms: Merck (Keytruda), BMS (Opdivo), Roche (Tecentriq), Daiichi Sankyo/AZ (Enhertu).
14K US cases/yr · $2.0B Global cervical cancer therapeutics
Cervical cancer incidence has declined with screening and HPV vaccination. For advanced/recurrent disease, pembrolizumab + chemo +/- bevacizumab and tisotumab vedotin have improved outcomes.
Early: surgery/radiation. Advanced: platinum + paclitaxel + bevacizumab + pembrolizumab. R/R: tisotumab vedotin (Tivdak). Key players: Merck (Keytruda), Seagen/Genmab (Tivdak).
Novartis AG completed its acquisition of Agenus Inc. for $2.6B. Novartis licensed Agenus' anti-PD-1 antibody balstilimab (AGEN2034) for global development in immuno-oncology combinations.
Balstilimab BLA withdrawn (2021) due to Keytruda dominance. But botensilimab+balstilimab combo advancing in mCRC with FDA Fast Track.
| Deal | Year | Value | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novartis AG / Agenus Inc. (this deal) | 2017 | $2.6B | 32 |
| Novartis AG / Advanced Accelerator Applications S.A. | 2017 | $3.9B | 98 |
| Novartis AG / Endocyte, Inc. | 2018 | $2.1B | 96 |
| Novartis AG / Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d. | 2002 | $876M | 88 |
| Novartis AG / GlaxoSmithKline plc | 2014 | $16.0B | 81 |
| Novartis AG / PTC Therapeutics Inc. | 2024 | $2.9B | 80 |
| Novartis AG / Chinook Therapeutics Inc. | 2023 | $3.5B | 78 |
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More: 2017 deals · Novartis AG deals · Oncology deals