Molecular Partners announces collaboration with Novartis to develop two DARPin therapies designed for potential use against COVID-19.

Novartis and Molecular Partners AG announced a collaboration in the form of an option and license agreement to develop, manufacture and commercialize Molecular Partners’ anti-COVID-19 DARPin program, consisting of two therapeutic candidates, MP 0420 and MP 0423. The collaboration aims to leverage Molecular Partners’ proprietary DARPin technologies and Novartis broad expertise in global drug development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and commercialization to rapidly advance the program in keeping with the unprecedented global urgency created by the pandemic.

Under the agreement, during the option period, Molecular Partners will conduct Phase 1 clinical trials for MP 0420, expected to begin in November 2020, and perform all remaining preclinical work for MP 0423 and Novartis will conduct Phase II and Phase III clinical trials, with Molecular Partners as sponsor of these trials. Upon option exercise, Novartis would be responsible for all further development and commercialization activities. During the clinical development stage, Molecular Partners will provide clinical supply. The companies will work together to scale-up manufacturing capacity, in collaboration with Sandoz, the generics and biosimilar Novartis division, to provide worldwide supply.