Novartis has partnered with BioAge Labs in a research collaboration focused on finding new targets for therapies targeting age-related diseases.

The collaboration involves upfront payments and research funding of up to $20 million, with potential milestone payments of up to $530 million.

The aim is to develop new treatment options by exploring the intersection of human aging biology and the benefits of physical exercise.

BioAge will contribute its extensive human longevity datasets, which track aging cohorts over several decades and include detailed health records and functional measurements.

Advanced analytics and machine learning will be used to identify factors that contribute to a healthy lifespan, facilitating the discovery and development of therapeutics.

Both companies will have the rights to advance any novel targets identified during the collaboration and will be eligible for reciprocal success milestones and tiered sales royalties.

This collaboration is particularly significant for BioAge, as it follows a recent setback with its lead pipeline asset, azelaprag, which was discontinued in a Phase II study due to safety concerns.