Novartis to acquire drugmaker behind new heart therapy for up to $3.1B
Novartis has agreed to acquire Boston-based Anthos Therapeutics for up to $3.1 billion. The deal includes an upfront payment of $925 million and $2.15 billion in additional payments based on certain regulatory and commercial milestones.
Anthos Therapeutics was originally funded by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis back in 2019 to focus on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of abelacimab, a novel factor XI inhibitor designed to help patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) reduce their stroke and systemic embolism risks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted abelacimab its fast track designation to treat cancer-related blood clots in July 2022 and a second fast track designation for preventing strokes and systemic embolism in AFib patients in September 2022.
“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,” Shreeram Aradhye, MD, president of development and chief medical officer for Novartis, said in a prepared statement. “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.”
“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,” Bill Meury, CEO at Anthos Therapeutics, said in a separate statement. “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. I am deeply grateful to the Anthos and Blackstone Life Sciences teams, the clinical investigators, the patients in our studies, the advocacy community, and many others who have played a role in Anthos’ success over the past six years.”
This transaction is expected to be finalized in the months ahead.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.