Novartis has announced that it will be expanding its late-stage cardiovascular pipeline by acquiring Anthos Therapeutics for approximately $3.1bn.
The deal gives Novartis access to abelacimab, which is currently in phase 3 development for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
Approximately 1.5 million people in the UK are living with AF, the most common form of abnormal heart rhythm. The condition causes the heart to beat irregularly and often too fast, and is believed to contribute to one in five strokes.
Anthos, launched by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis in 2019, has been advancing abelacimab through clinical development under a licence from Novartis.
Abelacimab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds tightly to factor XI to block its activation and prevent the generation of its activated form, mimicking the natural factor XI deficiency associated with protection from thromboembolic disease.
The candidate has already been shown in a phase 2 trial to significantly reduce bleeding events compared to standard-of-care direct-oral anticoagulant in AF patients and is now being evaluated in three late-stage studies for patients at risk of arterial and venous clots, one in AF patients and two in those with in cancer-associated thrombosis.
Shreeram Aradhye, president, development and chief medical officer, Novartis, said: “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 AF as well as cancer-associated thrombosis.
“Welcoming Anthos Therapeutics strengthens our focus in the cardiovascular space and complements our portfolio of… treatments, comprehensive clinical programmes, and strategic collaborations that help thousands of patients with heart disease around the world.”
Under the terms of the agreement, which is expected to close in the first half of 2025, Anthos will receive an upfront payment of $925m and will be eligible for additional regulatory and sales milestones of up to $2.15bn.
Anthos’ chief executive officer, Bill Meury, said: “Abelacimab has the potential to be an important treatment option for the millions of patients globally with AF at high risk of stroke, and we could not have more conviction in the potential of this asset.
“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.”