Novartis will acquire Myricx Bio to strengthen its oncology pipeline with a potential first-in-class N-myristoyltransferase inhibitor (NMTi) antibody-drug conjugate payload platform and two investigational ADC programs targeting B7-H3 and HER2.
Written By: Anshu Gupta, PharmD
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Novartis has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire UK-based biotechnology company Myricx Bio, a privately held company developing a novel class of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) based on N-myristoyltransferase inhibitor (NMTi) payload technology. The proposed acquisition is intended to strengthen Novartis’ oncology pipeline by adding a potential first-in-class ADC payload platform designed to address limitations associated with currently available payloads, including resistance to topoisomerase I (TOPO-1) inhibitor-based ADCs.
In addition to gaining access to Myricx Bio’s proprietary platform, Novartis will also acquire two lead investigational ADC assets targeting B7-H3 and HER2, with potential applications across multiple solid tumor types.
What are Antibody-Drug Conjugates?
Antibody-drug conjugates are an emerging class of targeted cancer therapies that combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with highly potent cytotoxic drugs. Each ADC consists of three components: a monoclonal antibody that recognizes a specific antigen expressed on cancer cells, a chemical linker, and a cytotoxic payload.
After binding to its target, the ADC is internalized into the cancer cell, where the linker releases the payload to selectively destroy the tumor cell while limiting exposure to healthy tissues. This targeted delivery approach has made ADCs an increasingly important therapeutic strategy in precision oncology, particularly for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.
Novel NMTi Payload Platform
Unlike currently approved ADCs that commonly use payloads such as TOPO-1 inhibitors or microtubule inhibitors, Myricx Bio has developed a novel payload based on inhibition of N-myristoyltransferase (NMT), an enzyme required for the normal function of proteins involved in cancer cell growth and survival. By inhibiting NMT, the investigational payload is designed to disrupt essential cellular processes that tumor cells depend on, ultimately leading to cancer cell death.
According to Novartis, preclinical data suggest that this differentiated mechanism may demonstrate broad activity across multiple solid tumors, including models resistant to TOPO-1 inhibitor-based ADCs, potentially expanding treatment opportunities where existing payloads have limitations.
Strategic Importance of the Acquisition
The acquisition aligns with Novartis’ strategy of expanding innovative oncology platforms capable of delivering more durable and targeted cancer therapies. Beyond the two lead investigational ADC candidates directed against B7-H3 and HER2, the transaction provides access to a broader NMTi payload platform that could potentially be applied to additional tumor-associated targets in future drug development programs. If successfully validated through clinical development, NMTi could represent a new class of ADC payloads with applications across multiple solid tumor settings.
Commenting on the acquisition, Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis, said the agreement supports the company’s strategy to expand its next-generation ADC portfolio with a differentiated NMTi payload platform that could overcome resistance to existing ADC payloads and broaden targeted treatment options across multiple tumor types.
Mohit Rawat, CEO of Myricx Bio, described the acquisition as a strong endorsement of the company’s NMTi-ADC platform, highlighting its potential to address payload resistance, improve tolerability, and support the development of more effective targeted therapies for patients with cancer.
Current Development Status
The NMTi platform and the associated ADC candidates remain in the early stages of development. While preclinical studies have demonstrated encouraging activity, including findings in TOPO-1 resistant tumor models, additional preclinical research, clinical trials, and regulatory evaluation will be required to establish their safety and efficacy before these therapies can become available for routine clinical use.
Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will pay USD 1.1 billion upfront, with up to USD 400 million in additional milestone payments. The transaction is expected to close during the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
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About the Writer
Anshu Gupta (LinkedIn) is a PharmD professional and healthcare writer with interests in clinical research, pharmacovigilance, regulatory affairs, and medical writing. She has presented research at academic conferences and completed certifications in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ICH-GCP, and drug safety. Passionate about clinical trials and evidence-based medicine, she is committed to translating scientific evidence into accurate, reliable, and accessible healthcare content.