Novartis Gains Rights to Two Potential COVID-19 Therapies From Molecular Partners

Novartis has secured the global rights for two COVID-19 therapeutics being developed by Switzerland-based Molecular Partners.

The drug candidates — MP0420 and MP0423 — are antivirals that have shown potential for prevention and treatment of COVID-19. They are part of a new class of custom-built protein drug candidates, dubbed DARPin therapeutics, that mimic antibodies.

The companies believe that several characteristics of the two drug candidates make them well- suited as antivirals, including the potential to prevent viral mutations, the possibility for subcutaneous administration, sustained activity, the potential to bypass cold storage and the highly scalable production in bacterial fermenters.

“We have built on this long-term research with these two candidates, which have demonstrated extremely potent neutralization of the virus through inhibiting multiple viral mechanisms,” said Patrick Amstutz, CEO of Molecular Partners.

As part of the arrangement, Molecular Partners will conduct phase 1 and 2 trials that the companies hope will lead to emergency use approval. Phase 1 trials are slated to begin this month.

The companies plan to scale up manufacturing capacity in collaboration with Novartis’ generics and biosimilar division, Sandoz, to produce a worldwide supply. — Suz Redfearn