Novartis agreed to acquire Myricx Bio for up to $1.5 billion, adding a next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) payload platform to bolster its oncology pipeline. The deal is centered on Myricx’s N-myristoyltransferase inhibitor (NMTi) payload approach, which the company says is intended to address limitations seen with more common ADC warheads, including resistance and dose-limiting toxicity. Myricx’s lead ADC programs and preclinical data are aimed at solid tumor settings, including models characterized by resistance to established payload categories such as TOPO-1 and tubulin inhibitors. Novartis said the acquisition reflects its strategy to scale innovative therapy platforms, including radioligand manufacturing investments already underway. The transaction also brought immediate market reaction in Novartis’ shares on the Swiss and U.S. listings, underscoring investor focus on how the Swiss pharma is repositioning its ADC exposure with differentiated payload chemistry.