Basel: On Monday, 17^th July 2023, Novartis AG, a global medical and pharmaceutical technology-based company, delivering innovative products, acquired the DTx Pharma Inc., a San-Diego based, preclinical stage biotechnology company, focused on anchoraging its fatty acid ligand-conjugated oligonucleotide (FALCON) platform. DTx Pharma Inc. is a developer of oligonucleotide therapeutics designed to overcome challenges associated with delivering RNA-based therapeutics by using its Fatty Acid Ligand Conjugated Oligonucleotide (FALCON) platform. FALCON is designed to enable the delivery and activity of small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics to tissues, enhancing biodistribution and cellular uptake.

The acquisition includes DTx-1252, a preclinical siRNA therapeutics designed to target the root cause of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A (CMT1A), a type of inherited neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves caused by having an extra copy (a duplication) of the PMP22 gene. This gene causes overexpression in Schwann cells which is the progressive cause of neuromuscular, autosomal-dominant disease experienced by a life-long loss of muscle function, disability, hand weakness and sensory loss.

DTX-1252 is designed to induce axonal remyelination, a natural repair mechanism of axonal injury to normal levels and increase muscle mass, grip strength, coordination, and flexibility. DTX-1252 has progressed through Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies that have so far demonstrated CMT1A reversal in preclinical rodent models and translation to higher species. According to DTx Pharma Inc., IND-enabling studies are expected to progressively move into the clinical trials later by the end of this year.

According to the President of the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), “We look forward to continuing the development of DTx’s therapeutic programs and bringing new hope to patients with neuromuscular and other neurological disorders for which there have historically been few treatment options. We are also excited to bring DTx’s FALCON technology to Novartis and explore its potential to deliver drugs to extrahepatic tissues. We are also excited to bring DTx’s FALCON technology to Novartis and explore its potential to deliver drugs to extrahepatic tissues”.

According to the CEO of DTx Pharma Inc., “With its resources and capabilities in neuromuscular diseases, Novartis is well positioned to accelerate the development of DTx-1252 and provide hope to patients, who are desperately in need of therapy. I am also extremely proud of the commitment and passion of our team, which has established DTx Pharma as a leader in extra-hepatic delivery of siRNA, as demonstrated by our work to advance the first investigational FALCON siRNA designed to be delivered to the peripheral nervous system to treat the genetic cause of CMT1A”.

According to TechSci Research, the acquisition of DTx Pharma is a key strategy followed by Novartis AG to maintain a strong market positioning and hold in the healthcare industries. Novartis AG has already being offering RNA based therapeutics and this acquisition will lead to the expansion of existing pipeline and product portfolio, easy accessibility to innovative technology, and diversification. Now, the scenario has changed from established players bringing new products or extending their existing portfolios to small and medium size companies and startups bringing novel therapies/technique focusing on a particular disease area or application. The integration of DTx Pharma Inc’s expertise and resources brings the potential development and commercialization of new drugs or digital therapeutics to the market. A new therapy provides an opportunity to generate buzz and increase awareness about the company and its offerings. This can lead to greater visibility within the healthcare industry, attracting attention from potential customers, investors, and partners. Also, novel therapies treating neurological disorders help companies to differentiate themselves from competitors. By offering innovative solutions or addressing unmet needs in the market, they can gain a competitive edge and attract customers who are looking for novel or superior alternatives.