Gibson Dunn Advises Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals on Global Collaboration with Novartis

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Posted: 5th September 2025

Izabel Modano

Gibson Dunn Advises Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals on Global Collaboration with Novartis.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has advised Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals in a global licensing and research agreement with Novartis.

The partnership centers on ARO-SNCA, Arrowhead’s preclinical-stage siRNA therapy designed to target alpha-synuclein, a protein strongly linked to Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The agreement also covers future programs using Arrowhead’s Targeted RNAi Molecule (TRiM™) platform.

Novartis will pay Arrowhead $200 million upfront, with the potential for up to $2 billion in additional milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on future sales. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approval and customary conditions.

Christopher Anzalone, Ph.D., President and CEO of Arrowhead, said the partnership marks an important step forward:

“With a robust neuroscience pipeline and clear commitment to neurodegenerative diseases and genetic medicines, Novartis is a compelling partner for Arrowhead in the CNS space. Our TRiM™ platform has generated impressive preclinical results demonstrating delivery to CNS, including distribution to deep brain regions, after subcutaneous administration."

"We look forward to working with Novartis to bring ARO-SNCA for the treatment of synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson’s Disease, into clinical trials as soon as possible and to collaborate on additional programs in the future.”

Fiona Marshall, Ph.D., President of Biomedical Research at Novartis, added:

“PNeurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease affect millions of patients worldwide. Novartis aspires to transform the lives of patients and families living with these diseases, by advancing medicines that significantly alter the course of the disease.”

"We see Arrowhead’s TRiM™ technology as having great potential to achieve the type of widespread and effective delivery in key brain structures that will be necessary to see the full benefit of RNA medicines in neurodegeneration.”

Gibson Dunn team advising Arrowhead includes partners Karen Spindler and Ryan Murr, alongside partners Pamela Lawrence Endreny, Benjamin Fryer, and Sophia Hansell, with associates Michael Dziuban, Ryan Rott, and Anna Searcey.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a prominent global law firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California. With a reputation for providing exceptional legal services to clients across various industries, the firm was founded in 1890 and operates more than 20 offices worldwide. Gibson Dunn offers expertise in areas such as corporate law, litigation, real estate, and regulatory matters. Known for its commitment to excellence, the firm represents multinational corporations, governments, and individuals, delivering innovative solutions to complex legal challenges. The firm is recognised for its strong focus on client relationships and its deep industry knowledge.