Novartis has agreed to acquire Anthos Therapeutics, a Boston-based clinical-stage bio/pharmaceutical company, in a deal worth up to $3.3 billion ($925 million upfront and $2.15 billion in milestone payments). 

Anthos Therapeutic was launched by the investment firm, Blackstone Life Sciences, and Novartis in 2019. Its lead product is abelacimab, a late-stage medicine in development for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. Anthos has advanced abelacimab through clinical development under a license from Novartis.  

Abelacimab, in Phase III development, is a fully human monoclonal antibody designed to induce effective hemostasis-sparing anticoagulation through Factor XI inhibition. Three Phase III clinical trials are ongoing for patients at risk of arterial and venous clots, one in patients with atrial fibrillation, and two in cancer associated thrombosis. 

Under the agreement, Novartis will make an upfront payment of $925 million upon closing of the transaction, subject to certain customary adjustments, and potential additional payments of up to $2.15 billion upon achievement of specified regulatory and sales milestones. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. 

Source: Novartis