Novartis expanded its RNA medicine collaborations with Shanghai-based Argo Biopharma, licensing discovery-stage cardiovascular RNA therapeutics with $160 million upfront and potential for billions more in milestones. Novartis secured rights to lead candidates for severe hypertriglyceridemia and mixed dyslipidemia outside China, while Argo retains China commercialization. The partnership builds on prior deals and milestone payments exceeding $185 million, positioning Novartis to tap into China’s rapidly advancing siRNA biotech sector. The company anticipates further participation in Argo’s upcoming financing and gains preferential negotiation rights for additional pipeline assets. This alignment underscores the global trend of major pharma partnering with regional biotech innovators to accelerate RNA therapeutic development.