Blackstone Life Sciences and Anthos Therapeutics Reach Deal for Novartis to Acquire Anthos for up to $3.1 Billion
Blackstone Life Sciences and Anthos Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on transformative therapies for cardiometabolic diseases, have announced a significant deal with Novartis. Novartis has agreed to acquire Anthos for up to $3.1 billion, marking a major milestone for the company. Founded by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis in 2019, Anthos holds the exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize abelacimab, a novel factor XI inhibitor originally developed by Novartis. This therapy is aimed at preventing strokes and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and reducing the recurrence of blood clots in cancer patients.
Bill Meury, Chief Executive Officer of Anthos, expressed strong confidence in the potential of abelacimab, noting that it could become an essential treatment for millions of patients worldwide who are at high risk of stroke. He stated, “With its deep roots in the cardiovascular space, Novartis is especially well positioned to advance abelacimab’s clinical development and bring this innovative product to healthcare providers and patients.” Meury also expressed gratitude to the various stakeholders who contributed to the company’s success over the past six years, including the teams at Anthos and Blackstone Life Sciences, clinical investigators, patients, and advocacy groups.
Dr. Nicholas Galakatos, Chairman of Anthos’ Board of Directors and Global Head of Blackstone Life Sciences, reflected on the partnership, saying, “We are proud to have launched and helped grow Anthos by acquiring the rights to abelacimab, assembling a world-class team, and designing the clinical plan. We believe abelacimab has the potential to be a leader in the new class of Factor XI anticoagulants.” Galakatos also highlighted the importance of Novartis as a committed partner in advancing the development and commercialization of abelacimab.
The AZALEA-TIMI 71 clinical trial demonstrated significant benefits of abelacimab compared to the common anticoagulant rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Results showed a 62% reduction in major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding, a 67% reduction in major bleeding, and an 89% reduction in gastrointestinal bleeding. These strong clinical outcomes led the Independent Data Monitoring Committee to stop the study early. These findings were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine on January 23, 2025.
Anthos is currently conducting multiple phase 3 clinical trials to further evaluate abelacimab. These include studies for atrial fibrillation patients at high risk for stroke or systemic embolism (LILAC-TIMI 76) and for cancer-associated thrombosis patients (ASTER and MAGNOLIA). Data from these trials is expected to be available in the second half of 2026.
Blackstone Life Sciences’ investment in Anthos reflects the company’s strategy of combining its scale and expertise to build innovative biopharmaceutical businesses. Their commitment has played a key role in bringing promising treatments to market, with the goal of improving patient outcomes globally.
Transaction Details
As part of the acquisition, Anthos shareholders will receive an upfront payment of $925 million upon closing of the deal. In addition to this initial payment, shareholders are entitled to receive further payments if certain regulatory and commercial milestones are met. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, pending the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
Advisors
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as the lead financial advisor to Anthos, while Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is also advising the company. Legal counsel for Anthos is being provided by Goodwin Procter LLP.
About Anthos Therapeutics
Founded by Blackstone Life Sciences in 2019, Anthos Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with exclusive global rights from Novartis Pharma AG to develop, manufacture, and commercialize abelacimab. Blackstone Life Sciences is the majority investor in Anthos, with other partners, including Novo Holdings, contributing to its growth.
