Finance
Unnatural Products, Novartis sign licensing agreement for cardiovascular program
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 18, 2026
1 min readLast updated: February 18, 2026
Quick Summary
Unnatural Products and Novartis sign a $1.7 billion licensing deal for cardiovascular therapies, focusing on macrocyclic peptides. Novartis will lead development.
Unnatural Products and Novartis Forge Licensing Deal for Heart Therapies
Overview of the Licensing Agreement
Feb 18 (Reuters) - Unnatural Products said on Wednesday it has signed a licensing agreement with Novartis to develop macrocyclic peptide-based therapies for a cardiovascular program.
The California-based biotech company will receive up to $100 million in upfront payment and as much as $1.7 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. It will also be eligible for tiered royalties mid-single up to low double-digits on annual net sales.
The Swiss drugmaker will take the lead to oversee clinical development, manufacturing and global commercialization of any resulting drugs.
Details of the Financial Agreement
The company did not disclose the exact nature of the program.
Understanding Macrocyclic Peptides
Macrocyclic peptides are a class of therapeutic molecules shaped into a ring-like structure, which gives them advantages over traditional small-molecule drugs and larger biologics.
(Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala)
Key Takeaways
- •Unnatural Products and Novartis sign a licensing agreement.
- •The deal focuses on macrocyclic peptide-based cardiovascular therapies.
- •Potential earnings for Unnatural Products could reach $1.7 billion.
- •Novartis will lead clinical development and commercialization.
- •The agreement includes tiered royalties on net sales.
Frequently Asked Questions about Unnatural Products, Novartis sign licensing agreement for cardiovascular program
1What are macrocyclic peptides?
Macrocyclic peptides are therapeutic molecules characterized by a ring-like structure, offering advantages over traditional small-molecule drugs and larger biologics in drug development.
2What are royalties?
Royalties are payments made to the owner of a right, such as intellectual property, for the ongoing use of that right, often calculated as a percentage of sales.
3What are development milestones?
Development milestones are specific goals or achievements in a project that trigger payments or other benefits as outlined in a contract.
4What is a financial milestone?
A financial milestone is a specific point in a financial plan or agreement that signifies a significant achievement, often tied to funding or revenue targets.
