Novartis to expand late-stage cardiovascular portfolio with USD 925 million acquisition of Anthos Therapeutics
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Novartis has signed an agreement to acquire Anthos Therapeutics, a Boston-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. Anthos Therapeutics is developing abelacimab, a late-stage treatment aimed at preventing stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. The acquisition aligns with Novartis’ strategy to expand its cardiovascular portfolio and strengthen its expertise in this therapeutic area. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.
Established in 2019 by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis, Anthos Therapeutics has been developing abelacimab under a licence from Novartis. Abelacimab is a highly selective, fully human monoclonal antibody designed to provide anticoagulation while reducing the risk of bleeding by inhibiting Factor XI. Phase 2 clinical trials demonstrated a notable reduction in bleeding events compared to a standard direct oral anticoagulant in patients with atrial fibrillation. Currently, three Phase 3 trials are underway to assess its effectiveness in preventing arterial and venous clots. These include a study on atrial fibrillation (LILAC-TIMI 76) and two on cancer-associated thrombosis (ASTER and MAGNOLIA).
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted abelacimab Fast Track Designation in July 2022 for the treatment of cancer-related thrombosis, followed by another designation in September 2022 for stroke and systemic embolism prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Novartis will make an upfront payment of USD 925 million upon completion of the transaction, with additional payments of up to USD 2.15 billion based on regulatory and sales milestones. The acquisition is expected to be finalised in the first half of 2025, subject to standard closing conditions.
Abelacimab is an investigational monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to Factor XI to prevent its activation, thereby reducing the risk of thromboembolic disease in a way that mimics natural Factor XI deficiency.
Source: globenewswire.com
