Anthos Therapeutics Files for IPO to Advance MAA868, a Next-Generation Antithrombotic Antibody Targeting Factor XI/XIa

VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) has learned that asset management firm Blackstone and pharmaceutical giant Novartis have recently partnered to establish a biopharmaceutical company, Anthos Therapeutics (hereinafter referred to as “Anthos”). Blackstone has invested $250 million in Anthos and retains control over product development rights, while Novartis has acquired a minority stake.

Anthos is a biopharmaceutical company based in Massachusetts, USA, dedicated to developing next-generation targeted therapies for patients with cardiovascular diseases. Novartis has licensed the targeted drug MAA868 to Anthos, which will continue its development. MAA868 is an antibody-based therapeutic designed to treat thrombotic disorders by targeting two coagulation proteins: Factor XI and Factor XIa. Research has also shown that MAA868 has the potential to prevent a range of cardiovascular conditions, offering a longer-lasting treatment option compared to conventional anticoagulant therapies. Anthos states that MAA868 will transform the standard of care for patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Thrombotic diseases, a category of cardiovascular diseases, are pathological conditions caused by thrombosis and thromboembolism. They can affect arteries or veins, leading to various disorders such as ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and venous thromboembolism. The incidence of thrombotic diseases ranks highest among all diseases, posing a severe threat to human life and health. In the United States, 500,000 people die from these diseases annually, with a rising trend in recent years. Thrombotic diseases have become one of the key focuses and hot topics in contemporary medical research.

John Glasspool has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Anthos, bringing decades of research experience in cardiovascular disease from Novartis. Nick Galakatos, Chairman of Blackstone Group, serves as the Chairman of Anthos. John Glasspool stated, “Anthos Therapeutics aims to become a global leader in the development of cardiovascular drugs. With the support of Blackstone Group and Novartis, we are well-positioned to bring MAA868 to market and improve the lives of patients with thrombotic disorders.”

Blackstone Group, also known as Baishitong Group, is the largest publicly listed investment management firm in the United States. Its asset management business encompasses corporate private equity funds, real estate opportunity funds, funds of hedge funds, senior debt funds, private hedge funds, and closed-end mutual funds. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in New York, USA, the company manages approximately $100 billion in assets. On June 22, 2007, it was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Novartis, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is one of the world’s top three pharmaceutical companies, with operations spanning more than 150 countries and regions globally. Novartis boasts a diversified product portfolio, with business divisions covering innovative medicines, eye care, generic drugs, vaccines, and animal health products, in all of which it holds a leading global position.

(Compiled by Jiao Yanli)