lt;bgt;Novartis'lt;/bgt; strategy to augment its oncology pipeline is exemplified this month by its alliance with lt;bgt;Infinity Pharmaceuticalslt;/bgt;, in a deal announced on 6 March 2006. This global commercialisation agreement to develop candidate drug leads against Bcl-2 protein family members. The terms of the alliance commit the two companies to a long-standing venture and provide Infinity with a deal structure that comprises both an upfront consideration and downstream milestone payments. Total payments to Infinity could exceed US$400 M, with an upfront licensing fee of US$30 M, an undisclosed equity investment and dedicated research funding. Royalties will be paid upon successful commercialisation. In light of the deal, this feature analyses Novartis' partnering history with Infinity and its oncology partnering strategy.