Syndax Pharmaceuticals has signed a USD 350 million synthetic royalty funding agreement with Royalty Pharma based on US net sales of Niktimvo (axatilimab-csfr). 

"We expect this transaction to fund us through profitability while ensuring that we continue to participate in the profits from Niktimvo and retain the upside of its future growth. With this significant infusion of capital, we are well positioned to successfully launch two first-in-class medicines and expand their opportunity with additional indications," said Michael A. Metzger, Chief Executive Officer of Syndax.

"Royalty Pharma shares our belief that Niktimvo can create significant value as a new treatment option for patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and recognizes its multi-billion-dollar franchise potential," Metzger added.

"We are excited to partner with Syndax, an innovative oncology company with an exciting pipeline. Niktimvo is a first-in-class product that has the potential to address the serious and devastating complications associated with chronic GVHD, where there is clear unmet need for additional treatment options. We look forward to Syndax and their partner Incyte launching Niktimvo soon and bringing this important medicine to GVHD patients," said Pablo Legorreta, Founder and CEO of Royalty Pharma.

Under the terms of the agreement, Syndax received an upfront payment of USD 350 million in exchange for a 13.8 percent royalty on US net sales of Niktimvo. Royalty payments to Royalty Pharma will cease upon reaching a multiple of 2.35x.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor, and Cooley LLP acted as legal advisor to Syndax on the transaction. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, and Dechert LLP acted as legal advisors to Royalty Pharma.