SciNeuro Pharmaceuticals has entered into a worldwide licensing and collaboration agreement with Novartis Pharma AG to advance a novel antibody program for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The agreement grants Novartis exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize SciNeuro’s amyloid beta–targeted antibody candidates, which are designed to improve drug delivery to the brain using SciNeuro’s proprietary blood–brain barrier shuttle technology.
The collaboration centers on a new generation of de novo antibody candidates that integrate this shuttle technology to enhance central nervous system exposure. By improving the ability of therapeutic antibodies to cross the blood–brain barrier, the program aims to offer potential differentiation from existing amyloid beta–targeted therapies, a field that continues to face scientific and clinical challenges despite recent advances.
Under the terms of the agreement, SciNeuro and Novartis will work together during the early development phase of the program. Once this stage is complete, Novartis will assume full responsibility for global development and commercialization, leveraging its extensive capabilities in late-stage clinical development, regulatory execution, and worldwide market access.
SciNeuro founder and chief executive officer Min Li, PhD, said the anti-amyloid antibody program represents a core strategic priority for the company’s research and development efforts in neurodegenerative diseases. He noted that partnering with Novartis provides strong alignment between SciNeuro’s expertise in disease biology and early-stage innovation and Novartis’ global leadership in neuroscience drug development and commercialization.
Novartis executives emphasized the urgent need for differentiated treatments in Alzheimer’s disease, which remains a major cause of disability and caregiver burden worldwide. Robert Baloh, global head of neuroscience biomedical research at Novartis, said the company is encouraged by SciNeuro’s proprietary technology and shared commitment to addressing unmet needs in devastating neurological disorders.
Financially, the agreement includes an upfront payment of $165 million to SciNeuro. The company is also eligible to receive additional research funding and up to $1.5 billion in potential development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, along with tiered royalties on future sales.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals, including the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.