Novartis agrees to acquire pan-mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor from Synnovation Therapeutics

Novartis has entered into an agreement with Synnovation Therapeutics to acquire SNV4818, a pan-mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor. The asset is being developed for patients with hormone receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor two-negative breast cancer and potentially other solid tumors. SNV4818 is currently in a Phase 1/2 clinical study. It is designed to selectively target PI3Kα mutations in cancer cells while sparing the wild-type enzyme in healthy cells. This approach aims to reduce side effects that have limited the use of existing PI3Kα inhibitors. Approximately 40 percent of HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients have PIK3CA mutations. The program is aligned with Novartis efforts in breast cancer and may be combined with CDK inhibitors as well as endocrine therapies. Under the terms, Novartis will pay 2 billion dollars upfront and up to 1 billion dollars in milestone payments. The transaction includes acquisition of Pikavation Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Synnovation that holds the portfolio of programs including SNV4818. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions. Shreeram Aradhye, president of development at Novartis, said mutated PI3Kα remains a challenge for effective and tolerable inhibition. He noted that SNV4818 applies new mutant-selective chemistry to target tumor biology while sparing normal cells, with the goal of better tolerability and durable patient benefit.