Spinifex Pharma, led the past 10 years by CEO Tom McCarthy, is being acquired by Novartis for $200 million up front, and reportedly as much in $500 million in future payments depending on milestones the pain medication company achieves. Photo: Alexander Soule / Alexander Soule Swiss giant Novartis is acquiring Stamford-based Spinifex Pharmaceuticals , a 20-person startup developing drugs to treat chronic pain, in a deal worth as much as $700 million.