Novartis has entered into an agreement to acquire biopharmaceutical company, Anthos Therapeutics.
This acquisition aligns with the pharma giant's current initiative to expand its cardiovascular disease pipeline, as Anthos is currently developing abelacimab — a late-stage therapeutic designed to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.
The biologic has previously received two Fast Track Designations from the FDA; one for the treatment of cancer-related thrombosis, and another for the prevention of stroke/systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Novartis previously launched Anthos Therapeutics alongside Blackstone Life Sciences in 2019, with Anthos being responsible for the development of abelacimab since that its debut.
The fully human monoclonal antibody has already shown promise in the Phase II AZALEA trials, causing a significant reduction in bleeding events compared with standard anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Three Phase III trials are currently ongoing, which are looking into the effects of the therapeutic in patients with atrial fibrillation — as well as in individuals with cancer-associated thrombosis.
President of Development and Chief Medical Officer at Novartis, Shreeram Aradhye, commented: “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.”
Through this deal, Novartis will pay $925m upfront, though Anthos is eligible to receive up to $2.15bn in royalties through the achievement of regulatory and sales milestones.
“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.” added David Soergel, Global Head of the Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism Development Unit at 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.”