Novartis to Acquire Anthos Therapeutics, Expanding Cardiovascular Portfolio

Novartis has entered an agreement to acquire Anthos Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing abelacimab, a novel anticoagulant designed to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. The acquisition aligns with Novartis’ strategic focus on cardiovascular diseases and reinforces its commitment to advancing innovative treatments in thrombosis prevention.

Abelacimab, a highly selective Factor XI inhibitor, has demonstrated a significant reduction in bleeding events compared to standard direct oral anticoagulants in Phase 2 studies. Currently, three Phase 3 trials are underway, including LILAC-TIMI 76 for atrial fibrillation and ASTER and MAGNOLIA for cancer-associated thrombosis. The FDA has granted Fast Track Designation for abelacimab in both indications.

“We are excited to join forces to advance abelacimab, a potential first-in-class treatment for stroke prevention and cancer-associated thrombosis,” said Shreeram Aradhye, M.D., President of Development and CMO at Novartis. The acquisition brings abelacimab back into Novartis’ cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism pipeline, marking a significant step toward safer and more effective anticoagulation therapies.