Novartis to acquire Anthos Therapeutics for US$925M

SWITZERLAND—Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis has agreed to acquire Anthos Therapeutics, a Boston-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, for US$925 million upon the transaction’s completion.

This upfront payment is subject to customary adjustments and additional payments that could total up to US$2.15 billion, depending on the achievement of specific regulatory and sales milestones.

 Once all closing conditions are met, the deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025.

Founded in 2019 by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis, Anthos Therapeutics has been advancing the development of abelacimab, a promising treatment aimed at preventing stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.

 The acquisition aligns with Novartis’ strategy to expand its cardiovascular portfolio, leveraging its expertise in this therapeutic area.

Abelacimab is a novel, fully human monoclonal antibody designed to effectively prevent blood clot formation by inhibiting Factor XI, a key player in the clotting process.

 This innovative approach aims to reduce the risk of thrombosis without the bleeding complications often associated with traditional blood thinners.

In Phase 2 trials, abelacimab demonstrated a significant reduction in bleeding events compared to standard anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Three Phase 3 clinical trials are currently underway to assess abelacimab’s potential in patients at risk of arterial and venous clots.

One of these trials focuses on atrial fibrillation (LILAC-TIMI 76), while the other two examine cancer-associated thrombosis (ASTER4 and MAGNOLIA).

Shreeram Aradhye, M.D., President of Development and Chief Medical Officer at Novartis, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing that abelacimab could become a first-in-class treatment for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and cancer-associated thrombosis.

He also noted that the acquisition strengthens Novartis’ commitment to cardiovascular health and complements its growing portfolio of life-changing therapies.

Abelacimab has already received Fast Track Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for both cancer-associated thrombosis and stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.

This recognition underscores its potential as a safer, more effective alternative to existing treatments.

David Soergel, M.D., Global Head of Novartis’ Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism Development Unit, also expressed enthusiasm for abelacimab and highlighted its promise to prevent thrombosis and stroke.

He expressed confidence that the time was right to reintegrate abelacimab into Novartis’ cardiovascular pipeline.

Abilacimab represents a key addition to Novartis’ growing portfolio of innovative cardiovascular therapies, with the potential to revolutionize treatment for patients at risk of thromboembolic events.

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