Novartis acquired Cambridge-based immuno-oncology biotech CoStim Pharmaceuticals for an undisclosed sum, gaining late-discovery checkpoint programs including PD-1 and the option to combine them with Novartis' CAR-T platform. Strategically notable as Novartis' formal entry into the PD-1 race alongside its CTL019/Kymriah work.
Did it work? Outcome assessment
Strategic verdict
Partially Achieved
Financial impact
Neutral
Pipeline outcome
Assets Advanced
Assessment window: 5yr post-close.
Key facts
AnnouncedFeb 17, 2014
ClosedFeb 17, 2014
Deal typeAcquisition/Merger
Therapeutic areaMultiple cancers
IndicationsMultiple cancers
Key assetsPD-1 and other immune-checkpoint preclinical antibody programs
MechanismMonoclonal antibody blockade of immune-blocking checkpoints