Pharma Novartis strengthens cardiovascular pipeline with Anthos acquisition
Novartis is buying the US company Anthos Therapeutics for just under one billion US dollars. An agreement to this effect has been reached with the privately owned biopharmaceutical company, the Basel-based group announced on Tuesday.
11.02.2025, 07:50
SDA
The acquisition gives Novartis access to abelacimab, a drug in late-stage development for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. According to Novartis, the transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.
Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will make an upfront payment of €925 million upon closing of the transaction. Potential additional payments of up to 2.15 billion dollars could then be made if certain regulatory and sales-related milestones are reached.
Important studies underway
Anthos Therapeutics, which was founded by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis in 2019, has advanced abelacimab into clinical development under a license from Novartis, according to a press release. This is a novel, highly selective, fully human monoclonal antibody. Phase II data to date have confirmed the efficacy of the drug. Three Phase III clinical trials are currently underway in patients at risk of arterial and venous blood clots, one in patients with atrial fibrillation and two in cancer-related thrombosis.
In July 2022, abelacimab received fast-track approval from the FDA for the treatment of thrombosis associated with cancer. In September 2022, abelacimab also received fast-track approval for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Under fast-track designation, pharmaceutical companies must submit data demonstrating the potential benefit of the drug, even if it has not yet been fully proven. The FDA then conducts a review and works closely with the company throughout the development process to expedite the approval process. Nevertheless, the agency requires solid evidence of the drug's safety and efficacy before granting regular approval. Fast-track approval therefore only allows for a streamlined and accelerated review process.
