Novartis signs agreement to acquire Anthos Therapeutics for $925 million upfront

LONDON: Novartis has entered into an agreement to acquire Anthos Therapeutics, Inc., a Boston-based, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company.

Under the agreement, Novartis will pay USD 925 million upfront, with potential additional payments of up to USD 2.15 billion upon achieving regulatory and sales milestones. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, pending customary closing conditions.

Anthos, launched by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis in 2019, is developing abelacimab, a late-stage medicine designed to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Abelacimab is a highly selective, fully human monoclonal antibody that targets Factor XI to induce hemostasis-sparing anticoagulation.

The acquisition aligns with Novartis’ growth strategy and strengthens its cardiovascular focus. “We are excited to join forces to advance the development of abelacimab, a potential first-in-class treatment and safer approach for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation as well as cancer-associated thrombosis,” said Shreeram Aradhye, M.D., President, Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis.

Phase 2 data indicated a significant reduction in bleeding events for patients taking abelacimab compared to a standard direct-oral anticoagulant. Currently, three Phase 3 trials are ongoing, targeting atrial fibrillation and cancer-associated thrombosis.

Abelacimab has received Fast Track Designations from the FDA for thrombosis associated with cancer and for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. “Abelacimab is a potential first-in-class medicine, which promises to be an effective and safer approach to preventing thrombosis and stroke than the current standards of care,” said David Soergel, M.D., Global Head, Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism Development Unit, Novartis.

Novartis will acquire Mariana Oncology for up to $1.75 billion