| Key Points: – Novartis has agreed to acquire Anthos Therapeutics for up to $3.1 billion, expanding its presence in the cardiovascular space. – Anthos’ lead drug candidate, abelacimab, has demonstrated significant potential in reducing bleeding risks compared to current anticoagulants. – The acquisition highlights the success of Blackstone Life Sciences’ investment strategy in building and scaling innovative biopharmaceutical companies. |
Novartis has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Anthos Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in innovative therapies for cardiometabolic diseases, for up to $3.1 billion. The deal, announced by Blackstone Life Sciences and Anthos, represents a major step forward in the development of abelacimab, a next-generation Factor XI inhibitor designed to prevent strokes and blood clots with superior safety benefits.
Anthos was founded in 2019 as a collaboration between Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis, securing exclusive global rights from Novartis to develop, manufacture, and commercialize abelacimab. The acquisition reflects Novartis’ confidence in abelacimab’s potential to become a leader in the growing class of Factor XI anticoagulants, which aim to reduce the risk of major bleeding while maintaining strong stroke prevention efficacy.
“Abelacimab has the potential to be an important treatment option for the millions of patients globally with atrial fibrillation at high risk of stroke, and we could not have more conviction in the potential of this asset,” said Bill Meury, Chief Executive Officer of Anthos. “With its deep roots in the cardiovascular space, Novartis is especially well positioned to advance abelacimab’s clinical development and bring this innovative product to healthcare providers and patients.”
The drug has already demonstrated promising results in the AZALEA-TIMI 71 trial, where abelacimab showed a 62% reduction in major bleeding or clinically relevant non-major bleeding compared to rivaroxaban (Xarelto), a 67% reduction in major bleeding, and an 89% reduction in gastrointestinal bleeding. These impressive findings prompted the Independent Data Monitoring Committee to discontinue the study early due to clear clinical benefits. The results were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Anthos is currently conducting three phase 3 clinical trials for abelacimab: LILAC-TIMI 76 for patients with atrial fibrillation at high risk of stroke or systemic embolism, and ASTER and MAGNOLIA for patients with cancer-associated thrombosis. Data from these trials are expected in the second half of 2026, and Novartis is expected to continue these efforts to bring abelacimab to market.
Blackstone Life Sciences has played a crucial role in Anthos’ growth, investing in its development, assembling a world-class team, and designing the clinical plan. “This transaction is an affirmation of Blackstone Life Sciences’ ownership investment strategy, where we seek to find innovative products and build companies around them to meet unmet patient needs,” said Dr. Nicholas Galakatos, Global Head of Blackstone Life Sciences.
The acquisition deal includes an upfront payment of $925 million, with additional payments contingent on meeting regulatory and commercial milestones. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.