Core Viewpoint - Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis (NVS.US) has expanded its collaboration with Chinese biotech company Argo Biopharma, signing a multi-asset licensing and option agreement in the cardiovascular field, with a total transaction value of up to $5.2 billion [1] Group 1: Collaboration Details - Novartis will gain two licensing options for candidates in the drug discovery phase aimed at treating severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) and mixed dyslipidemia, allowing Novartis to choose to acquire development and commercialization rights for these candidates in markets outside of China [1] - After Argo Biopharma completes a joint clinical trial for candidate drug BW-00112, which targets angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) for dyslipidemia treatment, Novartis will have the priority negotiation rights for this drug [1] - The agreement also includes another candidate molecule based on RNA technology that is currently in early research stages [1] Group 2: Financial Terms - Argo Biopharma will receive an upfront payment of $160 million from Novartis; additionally, if subsequent development, registration, and commercialization milestones are met, Argo Biopharma could receive up to $5.2 billion in milestone payments and option exercise payments [1] - Argo Biopharma will also have the right to receive sales royalties based on the commercialization performance of the assets involved in the collaboration [1] - In future financing rounds, Argo Biopharma may qualify for potential equity financing support from Novartis [1]