Pliant to flesh out fibrosis pipeline after NASH deal with Novartis

Pliant’s deal to out-license its NASH candidate to Novartis for $80 million will allow the fibrosis company to fund development of its lead candidate, as well as advance its preclinical pipeline.

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS; SIX:NOVN) will receive an exclusive, worldwide license to PLN-1474 and up to three compounds against additional integrin targets. The initial payment Pliant Therapeutics Inc. will receive includes an upfront payment and an equity investment; the company also is eligible for milestones and mid-single to low-double digit royalties. Details are not disclosed. ...