Novartis AG announced Tuesday that it will acquire Anthos Therapeutics Inc. in a deal worth up to $3.1 billion, a strategic play that brings a once-homegrown cardiovascular drug back into its fold. The Swiss pharmaceutical giant is betting big on abelacimab, an experimental therapy aimed at preventing strokes and systemic embolisms in high-risk patients.
With this acquisition, Novartis strengthens its cardiovascular portfolio, reclaiming a drug that originally emerged from its labs before Anthos Therapeutics took over its development.
Deal Structure: Big Upfront, Bigger Payouts
Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will pay $925 million upfront, with an additional $2.15 billion contingent on regulatory and sales milestones. The deal aligns with Novartis’ broader strategy to expand its presence in cardiovascular treatments, an area where the company has historically excelled.
“Welcoming Anthos Therapeutics strengthens our focus in the cardiovascular space,” said Shreeram Aradhye, president of development and chief medical officer at Novartis. “This move complements our portfolio of life-changing treatments and clinical programs that benefit heart disease patients worldwide.”
The Rise of Anthos and Abelacimab’s Potential
Anthos Therapeutics, a Boston-based biopharmaceutical firm, was founded in 2019 through a collaboration between Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis. The company secured exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize abelacimab, a next-generation anticoagulant currently in phase 3 trials.
