Novartis has agreed to acquire SNV4818, a pan-mutant-selective PI3Ka inhibitor in Phase 1/2 development, from Synnovation Therapeutics for $2 billion upfront plus up to $1 billion in milestone payments. The compound targets HR+/HER2- breast cancer and other solid tumors, with approximately 40% of HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients carrying PIK3CA mutations associated with worse prognosis.
What distinguishes SNV4818 from existing PI3Ka inhibitors is its selectivity: the compound targets mutated PI3Ka while sparing the wild-type form found in healthy cells, potentially improving tolerability. Dr. Shreeram Aradhye said the drug “applies new mutant-selective chemistry to more precisely target tumor biology while sparing normal cells.”
The deal, structured through Pikavation Therapeutics, a Synnovation subsidiary, is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. The acquisition strengthens Novartis’s breast cancer pipeline as the company continues to build its oncology portfolio through targeted deals.