SanReno Therapeutics, a clinical-stage company specializing in the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapies for kidney diseases, has been acquired by Novartis. SanReno will become an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Novartis.

SanReno holds exclusive rights in greater China and Singapore for two late-stage assets targeting Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN): atrasentan and zigakibart. Atrasentan, an oral endothelin A receptor antagonist (ERA), is in Phase 3 development for IgAN. It demonstrated clinically meaningful and highly statistically significant proteinuria reduction at interim analysis, meeting the primary endpoint of its Phase 3 study. Zigakibart (BION-1301), a subcutaneously administered monoclonal antibody targeting APRIL (A Proliferation Inducing Ligand), obtained approval from China CDE for entry into the Phase 3 study in October 2023.

Completed within the first two years of SanReno’s formation, the acquisition is one of the few transactions where a Chinese biotech company has been acquired by a multinational pharmaceutical company.

“The acquisition of SanReno by Novartis is a testament to the unwavering dedication and relentless innovation of the SanReno team. It validates our commitment to pushing the boundaries in kidney disease therapeutics,” said Haoyu Huang, CEO SanReno Therapeutics. “We are thrilled to join forces with Novartis, a global pharmaceutical leader, in our shared mission to bring forth potentially transformative medicines for patients battling kidney diseases in China and beyond. Today marks an exciting new chapter in our journey to making a meaningful impact in the field of renal health.”