Blackstone Life Sciences today announced the launch of Anthos Therapeutics Inc. (“Anthos”), a new biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing next-generation targeted therapies for high-risk cardiovascular patients.

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 $250M for Anthos and will control the development of the products.  Novartis will retain a minority equity interest in Anthos.

According to the American Heart Association, thrombotic disorders cause nearly 500,000 deaths each year. Thrombotic disorders can affect arteries or veins, manifesting as ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, peripheral artery disease, venous thromboembolism, and many debilitating orphan diseases. Atrial fibrillation, the most common type of heart arrhythmia, is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke and systemic arterial thromboembolism.

A Ph II trial of MAA868 in patients with atrial fibrillation was begun in October of 2018. Results are expected in January of 2020.