Novelix Pharmaceuticals

Novelix Pharmaceuticals was a San Diego-based biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. The company's primary research centered on targeting the Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1 alpha) pathway, which plays a critical role in tumor growth and survival under low-oxygen conditions. Its lead candidate, NVX-144, was designed to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis by disrupting this pathway. In March 2009, Novelix was acquired by Nile Therapeutics in an all-stock transaction, which subsequently merged with Capricor Therapeutics in 2013. The acquisition integrated Novelix's oncology pipeline into Nile's portfolio to diversify its cardiovascular focus.