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Novartis Strikes $2 Billion Deal for Mutant-Selective PI3Kα Cancer Drug SNV4818

The Phase 1/2 asset targets PIK3CA‑mutant tumors to improve tolerability in HR+/HER2‑ breast cancer with closing expected in the first half of 2026.

Overview

  • Novartis agreed to acquire Pikavation Therapeutics, which holds SNV4818, for $2 billion upfront plus up to $1 billion in milestone payments.
  • SNV4818 is an oral, pan‑mutant‑selective PI3Kα inhibitor being tested in a Phase 1/2 trial for breast cancer and other advanced solid tumors.
  • The program is designed to spare wild‑type PI3Kα to address tolerability limits seen with non‑selective inhibitors, according to Novartis.
  • Preclinical data reported by the company show strong activity against common PIK3CA mutations with clear selectivity over the normal enzyme.
  • Novartis positions the asset for potential combinations with CDK inhibitors and endocrine therapies, targeting the roughly 40% of HR+/HER2‑ patients with PIK3CA‑mutant disease, with the deal pending customary approvals in H1 2026.