Novartis agreed to acquire Myricx Bio in a deal valued at up to $1.5 billion to strengthen its oncology pipeline with a next-generation antibody-drug conjugate payload platform. The London-based Myricx develops ADCs using N-myristoyltransferase inhibitor (NMTi) payloads, which the company says are designed to address limitations seen with conventional ADC warheads. Myricx’s approach aims to deliver a differentiated cancer-killing mechanism directly to tumor cells, with preclinical data reported across multiple solid tumor models, including topoisomerase 1 (TOPO-1) inhibitor-resistant settings. Novartis said the acquisition is meant to combine Myricx’s platform and lead ADC assets with Novartis’ oncology development expertise. The transaction underscores intensifying ADC competition as companies seek payload differentiation amid resistance and safety constraints. Novartis investors reportedly reacted negatively in early trading on the announcement day, reflecting how sharply markets weigh deal structure and near-term impact.