binarypublishTLDR:
- Novartis has acquired China-based startup SanReno Therapeutics to enhance treatment for kidney diseases.
- SanReno holds exclusive rights for two late-stage assets targeting Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN) in Greater China and Singapore.
- The acquisition includes SanReno’s product pipeline and capabilities.
- Atrasentan, an oral endothelin A receptor antagonist, is undergoing Phase 3 development for IgAN.
- Zigakibart, a monoclonal antibody targeting APRIL, obtained approval for entry into Phase 3 study in China.
China-based startup SanReno Therapeutics has been acquired by Novartis, a global medicines company, in order to enhace the treatment options for kidney diseases. Following the acquisition, SanReno becomes an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Novartis. SanReno holds the exclusive rights for two late-stage assets targeting Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN) in Greater China and Singapore. The assets are atrasentan, an oral endothelin A receptor antagonist currently in Phase 3 development for IgAN, and zigakibart (BION-1301), a monoclonal antibody targeting APRIL that obtained approval for entry into the Phase 3 study in China.
This acquisition is significant because it is one of the few instances in which a Chinese biotech company has been acquired by a multinational pharmaceutical company. The founding investors of SanReno, including Pivotal bioVenture Partners China, Frazier Life Sciences, Samsara BioCapital, and Versant Ventures, have sold their equity securities in SanReno as part of the acquisition. The acquisition also includes SanReno’s product pipeline and capabilities.
Atrasentan, the oral endothelin A receptor antagonist, has shown promising results in its Phase 3 study for IgAN. It demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant reduction in proteinuria at the interim analysis, meeting the primary endpoint of the study. Proteinuria is an indicator of kidney damage and is a common symptom of IgAN. The acquisition of SanReno will allow Novartis to further develop and potentially market atrasentan for the treatment of IgAN in Greater China and Singapore.
Zigakibart, the monoclonal antibody targeting APRIL, has also received approval from China CDE (Center for Drug Evaluation) to enter Phase 3 study. APRIL is a protein that has been implicated in the progression of several kidney diseases, including IgAN. By targeting APRIL, zigakibart aims to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cells involved in the pathogenesis of IgAN. With the acquisition, Novartis gains the exclusive rights to develop and potentially market zigakibart in Greater China and Singapore.
This acquisition represents a strategic move by Novartis to expand its presence and capabilities in the field of kidney diseases. By acquiring SanReno and its product pipeline, Novartis can strengthen its portfolio of treatments for kidney diseases, particularly IgAN. With the exclusive rights to atrasentan and zigakibart in Greater China and Singapore, Novartis has the opportunity to address the unmet medical needs of patients with IgAN in this region.
