Words by GOLD newsdesk
In a strategic move to bolster its cardiovascular pipeline, Novartis has announced the $925m acquisition of Anthos Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company it originally co-founded with Blackstone Life Sciences in 2019.
Anthos Therapeutics was founded to bring next-generation therapies to market for high-risk cardiovascular patients. Its lead asset, abelacimab, is a highly selective, fully human monoclonal antibody targeting Factor XI to provide effective anticoagulation while reducing the risk of bleeding. The therapy has shown promise in Phase 2 trials, demonstrating significant reduction in bleeding events compared to standard direct oral anticoagulants.
With three Phase 3 clinical trials underway – including one for atrial fibrillation – Novartis is excited about the potential of abelacimab in stroke prevention and clot management. The acquisition aligns with the company’s broader cardiovascular strategy and builds on its existing work in the field.
“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 Dr David Soergel, Global Head, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism Development Unit, Novartis. “We are proud that this medicine originated at Novartis and have been impressed with the Anthos Therapeutics team’s expertise and dedication and with the great progress they have made on the program. Now is the right time to bring abelacimab back into the Novartis CRM pipeline.”
Anthos Therapeutics was the result of a partnership between Novartis and investment firm Blackstone Life Sciences, which provided $250 in initial funding and operational leadership to advance abelacimab in 2019. The new acquisition, which is expected to close in the first half of 2025, will bring Anthos and its late-stage anticoagulant therapy abelacimab back into the Novartis portfolio as nears closer to regulatory approval.
