2. Novartis and Antisoma

Who: Novartis
With: Antisoma
What: $890 million licensing deal

Summary: With money from the sale of two major divisions burning a hole in its pocket, Novartis inked a massive deal for the worldwide rights to Antisoma's AS1404, a lung cancer therapy currently in mid-stage testing. Novartis agreed to pay up to $890 million for the drug. Antisoma’s presentation of positive Phase II results involving patients with non-small cell lung spurred Novartis into snapping up the drug. In addition, data from other Phase II trials in ovarian and prostate cancers indicate increased response rates through the addition of AS1404 to standard chemotherapy. Release

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