Novartis, with the backing of Blackstone Life Sciences, has launched Anthos Therapeutics, a new biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing next-generation targeted therapies for high-risk cardiovascular patients. The new company is based in Cambridge, MA.
 
As part of this launch, Novartis has licensed to Anthos MAA868, an antibody directed at Factor XI and XIa, key components of the intrinsic coagulation pathway. A large unmet medical need exists for next-generation anti-thrombotic therapies in patients currently underserved by conventional anti-coagulant therapies. As a promising anti-thrombotic modulating genetically and pharmacologically validated components of the intrinsic pathway, MAA868 has the potential to prevent a variety of cardiovascular disorders with minimal or no bleeding risk within a new long-acting treatment paradigm, which would provide major advantages over the conventional standards of care.
 
Funds managed by Blackstone Life Sciences, a private investment platform with capabilities to invest across the lifecycle of companies and products within the key life sciences sectors, provided $250 million for Anthos and will control the development of the products. Novartis will retain a minority equity interest in Anthos.
 
“The need for new medicines to treat cardiovascular diseases is clear, and this agreement is part of our strategy to work with innovators outside our walls to advance medicines that have the potential to have a positive impact for patients,” said Jay Bradner, president of the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research. “Blackstone Life Sciences has the necessary experience and has assembled a first-class team at Anthos to drive the further development of MAA868.”
 
Nick Galakatos, head of Blackstone Life Sciences and chairman of Anthos, said, “Blackstone Life Sciences is focused on bringing important medicines and healthcare technologies to market, often working in partnership with major biopharmaceutical companies to provide them with access to capital, scientific expertise and hands-on operational leadership. We are excited to collaborate with Novartis to create Anthos, with the goal of delivering important therapies for the high-risk cardiovascular patients who need them.”
 
John Glasspool, a former leader of Novartis’ cardiovascular franchise with 30 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, has been appointed chief executive of Anthos. Mr. Glasspool served as global head of Novartis’ cardiovascular and metabolic diseases franchise from 2004-2008 and more recently served as head of corporate strategy and a member of the executive team at Baxalta that led its acquisition by Shire.