Novartis has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Myricx Bio, a privately held biotechnology firm based in the United Kingdom, for $1.1 billion in upfront consideration and up to $400 million in additional milestone payments.
The deal will add a novel ADC payload platform that uses N-myristoyltransferase inhibitors (NMTi) to Novartis' suite of oncology assets. The platform is described as potentially first-in-class and was developed with the stated aim of tackling resistance mechanisms that limit the effectiveness of existing ADC payload classes.
Myricx Bio's approach deploys NMTi payloads within antibody-drug conjugates to deliver a cytotoxic agent directly to tumor cells. The company positions this mechanism as a response to constraints associated with commonly used ADC payload families, including TOPO-1 inhibitors, by offering an alternative intracellular target.
The acquisition brings two lead ADC candidates into Novartis' clinical development pipeline. Both assets are directed against established oncology targets - B7-H3 and HER2 - and are positioned for potential use across multiple solid tumor indications.
"ADCs have become an important part of cancer treatment, but there remains a clear need for new payload mechanisms to overcome resistance and expand their impact for patients," said Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis.
At a mechanistic level, N-myristoyltransferase is an enzyme that enables key proteins to function inside cells, a process that supports cancer cell growth and survival. Myricx's NMTi payload is intended to inhibit that enzyme and thereby disrupt cellular processes cancer cells depend on.
According to preclinical data provided with the announcement, the NMTi payload has shown activity in models of solid tumors, including models that are resistant to TOPO-1 inhibitors. Those preclinical findings form part of the rationale Novartis cited for the acquisition.
The transaction is expected to complete in the second half of 2026, contingent on customary closing conditions and receipt of required regulatory approvals.
Context and implications
The deal expands Novartis' ADC capabilities by adding a distinct payload strategy and two disease-targeted assets, reinforcing its portfolio in solid tumor oncology development.