In a potential US$440 M deal, Novartis has gained a global licence to EDP-239, Enanta Pharmaceuticals’ lead preclinical development candidate from its NS5A hepatitis C virus (HCV) inhibitor programme. The drug has received IND approval from the US FDA and the deal will thus soon add another clinical-stage HCV programme to Novartis’ pipeline. Enanta retains co-detail rights to EDP-239 in the US.