Novartis agrees takeover of Spinifex Pharmaceuticals

Novartis has agreed a deal to purchase the US and Australian-based Spinifex Pharmaceuticals, a privately-held development-stage pharma company.

The firm is focused on developing a peripheral approach to treat neuropathic pain, such as its novel angiotensin II type 2 receptor antagonist EMA401, which has shown potential in phase II clinical trials.

Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition with high unmet medical need. Leveraging peripheral targets, such as AT2R antagonists, is an emerging and promising approach that can help to avoid common side effects in the central nervous system, such as dizziness or confusion.

EMA401 has been shown to be effective in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, a painful condition that develops in some people following shingles, with no central nervous system side effects or any serious adverse events observed.

David Epstein, head of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said: "Neuropathic pain is a chronic and debilitating condition with high unmet need. EMA401 could provide a novel, differentiated treatment approach to provide relief for patients and healthcare providers worldwide."

Earlier this year, the company completed a major three-part deal with GlaxoSmithKline, selling off its vaccines business and purchasing GlaxoSmithKline's oncology business, while also forming a new consumer health joint venture.