Novartis pays $125 million to acquire Sironax’s brain-delivery platform

Novartis has exercised an option to buy Sironax’s platform for delivering large molecules across the blood‑brain barrier, with a $125 million payment due at closing.

The technology is intended to help move antibodies and other large biologics into the central nervous system, a challenge that has limited development of treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease and ALS.

Novartis first secured the option last year after a trial period and now finalizes the deal, adding the platform to its broader neuroscience toolbox. The company has said multiple approaches will be needed to overcome the blood‑brain barrier.

Sironax will receive the $125 million, which is part of a potential $175 million total that could have been paid in upfront and near‑term installments when the agreement was announced.