Novartis Acquires Anthos Therapeutics for $925M, Regaining Control of Promising Anticoagulant Abelacimab
Novartis has agreed to acquire Anthos Therapeutics for $925 million upfront, with potential additional payments of up to $2.15 billion based on regulatory and sales milestones12.
The acquisition brings abelacimab, a novel Factor XI inhibitor, back into Novartis's portfolio. Abelacimab originated in Novartis's labs before being licensed to Anthos in 201913.
Abelacimab is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation24.
The drug has shown promise in reducing bleeding events compared to standard anticoagulants, potentially offering a safer alternative for patients at risk of blood clots89.
This acquisition aligns with Novartis's strategic focus on expanding its cardiovascular portfolio26.
The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions2.
Anthos Therapeutics was originally launched in 2019 through a partnership between Novartis and Blackstone Life Sciences18.
Abelacimab has received FDA Fast-Track designation for the treatment of thrombosis associated with cancer and for stroke prevention4.
Sources:
1. https://medcitynews.com/2025/02/novartis-anthos-acquisition-blackstone-abelacimab-blood-clots-stroke/
2. https://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2025-02/64518197-novartis-pharma-ag-novartis-bolsters-late-stage-cardiovascular-pipeline-with-agreement-to-acquire-anthos-therapeutics-for-usd-925-million-upfront-399.htm
3. https://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2025-02/64519040-novartis-stock-dollar-925m-biotech-acquisition-boosts-portfolio-660.htm
4. https://anthostherapeutics.com/press-release/anthos2024-08-15release-10/
6. https://in.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/02/43629559/novartis-to-beef-up-heart-disease-offering-with-3-billion-blackstone-backed-anthos-therapeutics-deal
8. https://www.emjreviews.com/emj-gold/news/novartis-to-acquire-anthos-therapeutics-for-925m/
9. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/abelacimab-reduces-major-clinically-relevant-non-major-bleeding-compared-with-rivaroxaban