Novartis GroupNovartis is back on the acquisition trail, agreeing to buy California-based Excellergy for up to $2bn. The antibody Exl-111 is intended to strengthen its allergy pipeline and go beyond the current standard of care. The deal is part of a broader string of acquisitions aimed at systematically expanding the group’s innovation base.
Tag Archive for: Switzerland
adobe stock photos - Michael Derrer Fuchs Novartis is pressing ahead with its aggressive expansion strategy in oncology, striking again: the Basel-based group is acquiring a novel PI3Kalpha inhibitor from Synnovation Therapeutics for up to USD 3 billion.
RocheSetback after earlier optimism: the Roche drug giredestrant has delivered mixed clinical data. Several clinical trials had suggested the drug could play an important role in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast tumours and potentially become a blockbuster for the company. Now, however, a key Phase III study has failed to meet its primary endpoint, even as regulatory submissions are already under way.
Molecular Partners AG & NuMeRI, presentation Feb. 2026The Zurich-based developer is increasingly focusing its pipeline on radiopharmaceutical cancer therapies. A recent development agreement with isotope specialist Eckert & Ziegler marks another step in that direction. The collaboration aims to develop and manufacture so-called Radio-DARPin therapeutics, in which targeted protein molecules deliver radioactive isotopes directly to tumours. Early clinical data on the DARPin molecules in combination with radioisotopes suggest targeted tumour localisation. Proof of efficacy, however, is still pending.
Araris Biotech AGZurich-based oncology biotech Araris Biotech AG has entered into a research collaboration with an option to license with Japan’s Chugai Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Roche. The aim of the partnership is to develop next-generation antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs). While Araris itself is now Japanese-owned – a wholly owned subsidiary of Taiho Pharmaceutical, part of the Otsuka Group – its research activities remain firmly rooted in Zurich. That presence was highlighted last year when the Strüngmann brothers, German billionaire twins, awarded a prize to the company’s founders.
Freepik.comThe Australian–Swiss plasma specialist CSL is relying on technology from Switzerland for recombinant polyclonal immunoglobulins (IgG). With Memo Therapeutics, the company has entered into a collaboration and option agreement with a total potential value of up to CHF 265 million. This is good news for Memo, while CSL, following substantial job cuts including in Marburg, could also use some different headlines for a change.
Lonza GroupCDMOs are currently setting the agenda across the industry. Alongside peers such as Vetter, Lonza has now delivered a clear statement of intent: strong results, sharper focus and an even more determined commitment to its core business. But the stronger investment strategy internationally frightens Switzerland – at least some analysts.
Roche made a clear statement in 2025. The Basel-based group increased sales by 7% at constant exchange rates to CHF 61.5bn (€67bn) and lifted core operating profit by as much as 13%. For many observers, this represents far more than just a solid set of annual results.
Roche is back in China — and this time at a very different price point. In a renewed partnership with MediLink Therapeutics, the Swiss pharmaceutical group has secured a second antibody–drug conjugate (ADC), underlining how the first collaboration has paid dividends for both sides.
Just over a year and a half ago, Swiss biotech Numab AG, based in Horgen on Lake Zurich, made the headlines when it sold a single antibody to Johnson & Johnson for US$1.25 billion via a spin-out vehicle. No back-loaded milestones, no future contingencies — but cash up front, as one might say, straight into the pocket.