Swiss Drugmaker Novartis Acquires Anthos Therapeutics for $3.1 Billion
Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis has acquired biopharma firm Anthos Therapeutics for up to $3.1 billion. Founded in 2019 by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis, Anthos specializes in developing, manufacturing, and commercializing abelacimab, a treatment to prevent stroke and blood clots.
Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will pay Anthos $925 million upfront, with potential additional payments of up to $2.15 billion based on the achievement of certain milestones. The transaction, expected to close in the first half of 2024, will bolster Novartis's cardiovascular portfolio.
"Novartis is ideally positioned to accelerate abelacimab's clinical development and bring this groundbreaking treatment option to healthcare providers and patients," said Bill Meury, CEO of Anthos.
Blackstone Life Sciences explored the sale of Anthos in December 2023, and the deal was subsequently reported by Reuters.