Novartis acquires rights to oncology drug AS1404

Novartis has announced an expansion of its late-state oncology research and development pipeline with the acquisition of the rights to AS1404 – a small molecule vascular disrupting agent purchased from Antisoma.

Following the publication of positive phase II clinical trial data showing an extension of median survival following administration with the compound, AS1404 will enter phase III clinical trials for patients with squamous non-small cell lung cancer in 2008.

Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will pay Antisoma an initial cash payment of $75 million (37.44 million pounds), with consequent approval and development milestone payments of up to $380 million and landmark sales payments of up to $325 million, in addition to royalties.

David Epstein, president and chief executive officer of Novartis Oncology, said: “This agreement further strengthens our broad and deep oncology pipeline by adding a novel mechanism to treat solid tumours.”

He added that, as a tumour vascular disrupting agent, the compound could provide doctors and patients with a new treatment option for cancer.

Last week, Novartis announced that Kit-positive gastrointestinal stromal tumour patients receiving a placebo in a clinical trial would receive the option of treatment with Glivec following a positive interim analysis of the compound.