In a recent announcement, Novartis confirmed its acquisition of IFM Tre, a subsidiary of IFM Therapeutics LLC that specializes in developing anti-inflammatory medicines, especially the NLRP3 inflammasome. This latest acquisition will now add to the company’s immunomodulatory medicine portfolio.
Valued at $1.575 billion, according to the terms of the deal, Novartis would pay $310 million upfront and then become eligible to pay for as much as $1.265 billion in milestone payments.
The acquisition is a significant move for Novartis, as it gives it full exposure to IFM Tre's portfolio of NLRP3 inhibitors.
The NLRP3, the nucleotide-binding domain containing three pathway, is crucial to the body’s immune system and works as a warning sensor for pathogens signaling tissue damage and metabolic disorders.
The acquisition is significant as it means gaining control over IFM Tre's molecules that can selectively suppress inflammation caused by the NLRP3 inflammasome, while allowing the rest of the immune system to remain unaffected.