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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.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted abelacimab a fast track designation in 2022, highlighting its potential to transform stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients and combat cancer-associated thrombosis—two high-risk conditions with significant unmet medical needs.

Anthos CEO: Novartis is "Best Positioned" to Lead

Anthos CEO Bill Meury expressed confidence in Novartis' ability to push abelacimab to the finish line. “Novartis is well positioned to advance abelacimab’s clinical development and bring this innovative product to healthcare providers and patients,” he said.

Novartis’ David Soergel, global head of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism development, echoed that sentiment. “We are proud that this medicine originated at Novartis and have been impressed with the Anthos Therapeutics team’s expertise and dedication,” he said.

Closing Conditions & Legal Advisors

The deal remains subject to standard closing conditions, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, and is expected to finalize by June.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are serving as financial advisers to Anthos, while Goodwin Procter LLP is providing legal counsel.

While details of Novartis’ legal representation were not immediately available, the deal underscores its aggressive push in the cardiovascular space—a high-stakes bet that could redefine stroke prevention therapies for years to come.