Novartis Strikes Deal to Acquire Anthos Therapeutics

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Novartis announced that it has agreed to terms to acquire Anthos Therapeutics for an upfront payment of $925 million. The deal will include abelacimab, a Factor XI-inhibiting monoclonal antibody in development for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and cancer-associated thrombosis. Originally licensed from Novartis, abelacimab has demonstrated a significant reduction in bleeding risk compared to standard anticoagulants in Phase II trials and is currently being evaluated in three Phase III studies.¹

“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, MD, president, development, chief medical officer, Novartis, in a press release. “Welcoming Anthos Therapeutics strengthens our focus in the cardiovascular space and complements our portfolio of life-changing treatments, comprehensive clinical programs, and strategic collaborations that help thousands of patients with heart disease around the world.”

Under terms of the deal, Novartis could potentially pay an additional $2.15 billion upon achievement of specified regulatory and sales milestones. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first half of this year, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

In July 2022, abelacimab was granted Fast Track Designation from the FDA for the treatment of thrombosis associated with cancer. In September of the same year, it was also granted Fast Track Designation for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.¹

“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, MD, global head, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism development unit, Novartis, in the press release. “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.”

Reference

1. Novartis bolsters late-stage cardiovascular pipeline with agreement to acquire Anthos Therapeutics for USD 925 million upfront. Novartis. February 11, 2025. Accessed February 12, 2025. https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-bolsters-late-stage-cardiovascular-pipeline-agreement-acquire-anthos-therapeutics-usd-925-million-upfront