Novartis to Acquire Anthos Therapeutics
Swiss drugmaker Novartis has agreed to acquire Anthos Therapeutics, a Boston, US-based biopharmaceutical company with its lead compound abelacimab, a late-stage medicine in development for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will make an upfront payment of $925 million upon closing of the transaction and potential additional payments of up to $2.15 billion upon achievement of certain regulatory and sales milestones. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
Anthos Therapeutics, launched by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis in 2019, has advanced abelacimab through clinical development under a license from Novartis.
Abelacimab is a novel, highly selective, fully human monoclonal antibody that provides effective anticoagulation by inhibiting Factor XI, thereby minimizing blood clotting. Abelacimab is currently in Phase 3 development, with the lead indication for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.
“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, president, Development and chief medical officer at Novartis.
In July 2022 abelacimab received a Fast Track Designation from the FDA for the treatment of thrombosis associated with cancer. In September 2022, the compound was also granted a Fast Track Designation for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with 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, global head, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism Development Unit at Novartis.
