Novartis to Acquire Anthos for $925 Million

Novartis has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Anthos Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Boston. The deal involves an upfront payment of $925 million with potential additional payments of up to $2.15 billion, which are contingent upon meeting certain regulatory and sales milestones. The acquisition is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2025.

This move is in line with Novartis' strategic growth plans and therapeutic area focus, particularly in strengthening its presence in the cardiovascular domain. Novartis Development's president and chief medical officer, Shreeram Aradhye, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating that it will drive forward the development of abelacimab. This potential first-in-class treatment offers a promising, safer option for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and thrombosis associated with cancer. Aradhye emphasized that integrating Anthos Therapeutics into Novartis will bolster the company’s dedication to cardiovascular treatments, complementing its existing portfolio and strategic collaborations aimed at benefiting heart disease patients globally.

Anthos Therapeutics was launched in 2019 by Novartis in collaboration with Blackstone Life Sciences. Since its inception, the company has been focused on developing abelacimab, a highly selective and fully human monoclonal antibody. This treatment, originally licensed from Novartis, targets Factor XI to provide anticoagulation effects without impairing haemostasis. In Phase II clinical trials, abelacimab has shown a marked reduction in bleeding events in patients with atrial fibrillation when compared to those treated with standard direct-oral anticoagulants.

Currently, three Phase III clinical trials are underway to explore the efficacy of abelacimab in preventing arterial and venous clots across various patient groups. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized the potential of this treatment, granting it fast track status in July 2022 for thrombosis associated with cancer. Additionally, in September 2022, the FDA extended fast track designation to abelacimab for stroke prevention and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Abelacimab operates by binding to Factor XI, thereby blocking its activation and preventing the formation of Factor XIa. This mechanism takes inspiration from natural deficiencies in Factor XI, known for providing protection against thromboembolic conditions. This innovative approach could offer a transformative advancement in anticoagulation therapies, addressing significant unmet medical needs in the cardiovascular field.

By acquiring Anthos Therapeutics, Novartis aims to leverage its robust cardiovascular expertise to further the development and potential commercialization of abelacimab. As the healthcare community continues to understand the implications of this acquisition, it signifies Novartis' commitment to expanding its influence and capabilities in developing life-changing cardiovascular treatments.