Novartis Secures Option to Acquire Sironax's Blood-Brain Barrier Technology in $175M Deal

In a significant move to bolster its neuroscience capabilities, Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis has entered into an agreement with China-based biotech Sironax. The deal grants Novartis an exclusive option to acquire Sironax's innovative blood-brain barrier (BBB) crossing technology, potentially revolutionizing drug delivery to the brain across various modalities.

Deal Structure and Financial Terms

The agreement, announced on July 9, 2025, could see Sironax receive up to $175 million in upfront and near-term payments if Novartis decides to exercise its option. This structure allows Novartis to evaluate the technology's potential before committing to a full acquisition, while providing Sironax with significant financial incentives.

Under the terms of the deal, Sironax will retain the right to continue developing certain undisclosed pipeline programs that utilize its brain delivery module (BDM) platform. This arrangement enables the biotech to maintain its research momentum while potentially benefiting from Novartis's global reach and resources.

The Promise of Blood-Brain Barrier Technology

The blood-brain barrier has long been a formidable challenge in drug development, particularly for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This protective barrier, which controls the passage of molecules between the bloodstream and the brain, has historically limited the efficacy of many promising therapeutic candidates.

Dr. Robert Baloh, Global Head of Neuroscience for Novartis's Biomedical Research Institute, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: "Effectively delivering therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier remains one of the most important challenges in drug discovery. We're excited to enter into this agreement with Sironax to fully explore the promise of the BDM platform, leveraging our deep expertise and capabilities in neuroscience to bring forward next-generation therapies for patients in need."

Sironax: A Rising Star in Neurodegenerative Research

Founded in 2018 with the backing of BeiGene co-founder Xiaodong Wang, Sironax has quickly established itself as a noteworthy player in the field of age-related diseases. The company's approach focuses on three key drivers of aging: dysregulated cell death, uncontrolled inflammation, and disrupted energy homeostasis.

Sironax's current pipeline includes two RIPK1 inhibitors, SIR9900 and SIR2446, which are in Phase 1a clinical trials for neurodegenerative diseases and immune/inflammatory conditions, respectively. The company's rapid progress is underscored by its successful $200 million Series B funding round in 2022, which attracted investments from prominent firms such as F-Prime Capital and ARCH Ventures.

With operations in both the United States and China, Sironax is well-positioned to leverage international expertise and resources in its quest to develop groundbreaking therapies for age-related disorders.