Novartis has inked a $200 million upfront licensing deal with Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals for an RNA interference therapy targeting alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease and related synucleinopathies. The preclinical siRNA drug aims to suppress this key pathological protein linked to neurodegeneration. Beyond the upfront, the agreement includes potential milestone payments exceeding $2 billion. Arrowhead will conduct preclinical research while Novartis leads later development stages. This deal revives industry focus on novel RNAi treatments for neurodegenerative diseases with high unmet need.