Basel, 11 Feb, 2025: Novartis has entered into an agreement to acquire Boston-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, Anthos Therapeutics, for an upfront payment of $925 million.
Anthos is developing abelacimab, a late-stage therapy aimed at preventing stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. The acquisition, subject to customary closing conditions, aligns with Novartis’ strategic focus on growth and innovation in key therapeutic areas, reinforcing its expertise and leadership in the cardiovascular sector.
The deal also includes potential additional payments of up to $2.15 billion, contingent on achieving regulatory and sales milestones. The acquisition is expected to be finalised in the first half of 2025.
Anthos Therapeutics, established in 2019 by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis, has been advancing abelacimab through clinical development under a license from Novartis. Abelacimab is a next-generation, highly selective, fully human monoclonal antibody designed to provide effective anticoagulation while preserving hemostasis by targeting Factor XI inhibition. Phase 2 clinical data demonstrated a significant reduction in bleeding events among patients treated with abelacimab compared to those receiving a standard direct oral anticoagulant for atrial fibrillation (AZALEA1,2). Currently, three Phase 3 trials are underway, including one for atrial fibrillation patients (LILAC-TIMI 763) and two focusing on cancer-associated thrombosis (ASTER4 and MAGNOLIA5).
In the company’s press release, Shreeram Aradhye, M.D., President, Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis stated: “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.”
He further added, “Welcoming Anthos Therapeutics strengthens our focus in the cardiovascular space and complements our portfolio of life-changing treatments, comprehensive clinical programmes and strategic collaborations that help thousands of patients with heart disease around the world.”
In July 2022, the FDA granted abelacimab Fast Track Designation for treating cancer-associated thrombosis. Later, in September 2022, the drug also received Fast Track status for preventing stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.
With abelacimab showing promising clinical outcomes and ongoing Phase 3 trials, this deal positions Novartis at the forefront of anticoagulation treatment. As the transaction moves toward completion in 2025, the biotech industry will be closely watching how this acquisition shapes the future of stroke prevention and cardiovascular care.
