Novartis Inks Second Molecular Glue Deal With Monte Rosa Worth Up to $5.7 Billion

Novartis and Monte Rosa Therapeutics have announced their second major collaboration, focusing on the development of molecular glue degrader (MGD)-based medicines for immune-mediated diseases3 4 6.

The new deal grants Novartis an exclusive license to one undisclosed target and options to license two additional programs from Monte Rosa's preclinical immunology portfolio4.

Monte Rosa will receive a $120 million upfront payment, with the overall deal value potentially reaching up to $5.7 billion, plus tiered royalties on global sales3 4 6.

Monte Rosa will utilize its proprietary AI/ML-enabled QuEEN™ platform for discovery and development within this collaboration4.

This partnership is distinct from an earlier October 2024 agreement, where Novartis paid $150 million upfront and could pay up to $2.1 billion more for molecular glue degraders targeting VAV1 (including MRT-6160, now in Phase 1 studies for autoimmune diseases)2 5.

Novartis and Monte Rosa will share costs and profits for future Phase 3 clinical development and commercial activities in the U.S. for these new programs, while Monte Rosa's currently disclosed clinical pipeline remains outside the scope of this agreement4.

The collaboration significantly strengthens Monte Rosa's financial runway, allowing continued advancement of wholly owned drug programs through multiple future Phase 2 clinical readouts4.