Novartis pays $2B to land a startup’s breast cancer drug

Summary: Novartis just spent $2 billion to buy a new breast cancer drug from a startup called Pikavation. About 40% of some breast cancer tumors are driven by a mutated gene called PIK3CA. Current drugs that treat this mutation, like Piqray, can cause tough side effects such as high blood sugar, rashes, and stomach issues.

This new experimental pill, SNV4818, is designed to be a "smart bomb." It selectively targets only the mutated gene and leaves the healthy ones alone. For patients, this could mean far fewer side effects, easier dosing, and a much better quality of life during treatment.

Source: rssapp-biopharmadive-com URL: biopharmadive.com/news/novartis-synnovation-pikavation-PI3Ka-inhibitor-deal/815283/ (opens in new tab)