Infectious out-sourcing

Novartis AG has once again turned to the biotech industry to continue building its infectious disease portfolio. Last week, the company unveiled two deals, with Human Genome Sciences Inc. and Genelabs Technologies Inc., in the hepatitis field, and announced plans to acquire NeuTec Pharma plc, a U.K. company focused on the development of antibodies to treat hospital-based infections.

The agreements are the latest in a series by Novartis (NVS; SWX:NOVN, Basel, Switzerland) to build an anti-infectives portfolio that consists of compounds with complementary mechanisms of action, including both immunomodulators and direct anti-virals...