Novartis Secures Exclusive Option for Vitelion's Brain Delivery Module

Vitelion, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has announced a strategic agreement with Novartis (NVS.US). The agreement grants Novartis an exclusive option to acquire Vitelion's proprietary "Brain Delivery Module" (BDM) platform. The BDM platform is a differentiated blood-brain barrier penetration technology designed to enhance the brain delivery efficiency of various drug forms. Vitelion retains the right to continue developing selected projects using the platform. According to the agreement, Novartis will evaluate the BDM platform within the option period. If the option is exercised, Novartis will obtain global exclusive rights to the platform. Vitelion is eligible to receive a total of up to $175 million in upfront and near-term payments.

Vitelion was co-founded by Academician Wang Xiaodong and Dr. Zhang Zhiyuan in 2017. The company is dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies that fundamentally treat age-related diseases. It focuses on key pathogenic mechanisms of age-related diseases, including programmed cell death, inflammation, and energy homeostasis imbalance.

This strategic collaboration aims to leverage Vitelion's innovative technology and Novartis' extensive expertise in drug development and commercialization. The partnership is expected to accelerate the development of new therapies, particularly in the field of oncology and immunology. The agreement includes joint research and development efforts, as well as co-marketing initiatives to bring novel treatments to patients worldwide. Both companies have expressed optimism about the potential of this collaboration to drive significant advancements in medical science and improve patient outcomes. The strategic alliance underscores Novartis' commitment to innovation and its dedication to addressing unmet medical needs through cutting-edge research and development.