Don Tracy, Associate Editor

Deal includes a number of radioligand therapies targeting solid tumors, such as breast, prostate, and lung cancers.
Novartis announced that it has acquired Mariana Oncology, a biotech specializing in developing radioligand therapies (RLTs) for cancer treatment. According to the company, the acquisition is expected to enhance Novartis’ existing RLT pipeline and add major research capabilities. These programs target breast, prostate, and lung cancers, and features a leading developmental candidate, MC-339, for small cell lung cancer. As per terms of the agreement, Novartis is expected to make an upfront payment of $1 billion, with further potential payments of up to $750 million upon the completion of pre-specified milestones.1
“The acquisition of Mariana Oncology reflects our commitment to radioligand therapy as one of our company’s key technology platforms and strengthens our leadership in this field,” said Fiona Marshall, president, biomedical research, Novartis, in a press release. “We are excited to work with the Mariana team to bring forward next-generation RLTs for patients living with cancer and together shape the future of RLT as a pillar for oncology treatment.”
RLTs are classified as a therapy that employs radioactive atoms, applying it to advanced cancers. As a result, RLTs have the ability to target cells throughout the body through radiation, aiming to prevent further damage to neighboring areas.2
“As pioneers in radioligand therapies, we are dedicated to building on our scientific leadership and expanding the breadth of these potentially transformative treatments to a broader range of cancer types,” said Shiva Malek, global head, oncology for biomedical research, Novartis, in the press release. “This acquisition brings to Novartis phenomenal talent and new capabilities in RLT research that complement our wide-ranging internal efforts to explore novel isotopes, combinations, disease areas, and more.”
Back in September, Mariana Oncology announced a successful end to its oversubscribed $175 million Series B funding, with investors including Deep Track Capital, Forbion, Atlas Venture, Access Biotechnology, and Eli Lilly and Company. The purpose of the funding was to provide additional support for the advancement of Mariana’s developmental portfolio, including MC-339, with the company turning its attention to becoming a clinical-stage organization.3
“Novartis is an established leader in the commercialization of radiopharmaceuticals with a world-class team and global reach. Together, we offer a compelling combination of capabilities,” said Simon Read, founder, CEO, Mariana Oncology, in a press release. “In the short time since founding the company, the team at Mariana Oncology has developed a leading radiopharmaceutical discovery platform and an innovative pipeline. Our strategy has centered on overcoming the unique challenges of end-to-end radiopharmaceutical R&D and ultimately, delivery of these drugs to the bedside. Both Mariana and Novartis are committed to transforming cancer care, and together we will be in a better position to do that.”4
According to an article published by CNBC last year, RLTs are considered to be a game-changer when it comes to cancer treatment. The article also mentioned two of Novartis’ other RLT therapies, Lutathera, a treatment for neuroendocrine tumors—a rare form of cancer in the digestive tract—and Pluvicto, which treats specific types of prostate cancer. As of October 2022, Novartis treated close to 16,000 neuroendocrine patients and 4,000 prostate cancer patients through use of these therapies in the United States.5