Novartis Acquires Blackstone’s Anthos Therapeutics For Up To $3.1 Billion To Strengthen Cardiovascular Portfolio

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 11, 2025

Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis has struck a deal to acquire Anthos Therapeutics, a biopharma company majority-owned by Blackstone’s drug development arm, for up to $3.1 billion. The acquisition is aimed at bolstering Novartis’ presence in the cardiovascular sector, a key focus for the company as its blockbuster heart failure drug Entresto faces patent expiration this year.

Founded in 2019 by Blackstone’s Life Sciences division and Novartis, Anthos was created to develop abelacimab, a promising treatment designed to prevent strokes and prevent recurring blood clots. This transaction underscores Novartis’ commitment to cardiovascular treatments, which is one of five critical therapeutic areas the company is prioritizing.

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The deal, which is expected to close by mid-2025, marks a significant step in the evolving partnership between a major pharmaceutical company and private equity, a model that has gained traction in the industry. Novartis will pay an initial $925 million, with potential additional payments up to $2.15 billion, contingent on the successful development of the therapy.

This marks the largest sale of a majority-owned company by Blackstone’s Life Sciences division to date. In December 2023, Blackstone was exploring the sale of Anthos, and the current deal brings the partnership to a close.

Abelacimab is part of a new class of anticoagulants known as factor XI inhibitors, designed to potentially replace established blood thinners like Eliquis (Bristol Myers-Squibb and Pfizer) and Xarelto (Johnson & Johnson and Bayer), both of which are billion-dollar sellers. Other major companies in the factor XI race include Bristol-Myers Squibb and Johnson & Johnson, who are advancing a similar drug candidate, as well as Merck & Co, which is progressing with a mid-stage development candidate. Bayer, meanwhile, faced a setback in 2023 with its factor XI drug.

Nicholas Galakatos, Chairman of Anthos’ board and Global Head of Blackstone Life Sciences expressed pride in the firm’s role in launching and growing Anthos, adding, “We believe abelacimab has the potential to be a leader in the new class of Factor XI anticoagulants and are pleased to have Novartis as a committed partner to advance the development and commercialization of abelacimab for millions of patients at risk of strokes.”

Anthos is currently conducting multiple Phase 3 clinical trials, with data expected in the second half of 2026. While Novartis holds a small minority equity stake in Anthos, the company has not disclosed the exact size of this investment.

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Central Bank Of Cyprus Balance Sheet Reflects Strong Eurosystem Position

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 17, 2026

Overview Of Financial Stability

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has released its latest balance sheet, reaffirming its steadfast role within the Eurosystem. The balance sheet, featuring total assets and liabilities of €29.545 billion, underscores the institution’s stable financial posture at the close of January 2026.

Asset Allocation And Strategic Holdings

Governor Christodoulos Patsalides issued the balance sheet, which details the CBC’s asset composition under the Eurosystem framework. Notably, the bank’s gold and gold receivables amounted to €1.635 billion, providing a significant hedge and stability to its balance sheet. Additional asset categories include claims on non-euro area residents denominated in foreign currency at €1.099 billion, while claims on euro area residents in both foreign and domestic currency add further depth to its portfolio.

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The most substantial asset category, intra-Eurosystem claims, reached €19.438 billion, an indication of the CBC’s deep integration with its European counterparts. Furthermore, euro-denominated securities held by euro area residents contributed €6.587 billion. Despite a marked emphasis on these areas, lending to euro area credit institutions in monetary policy operations recorded no activity during the period.

Liability Structure And Monetary Policy Implications

On the liabilities side, banknotes in circulation contributed €3.218 billion. Liabilities to euro area credit institutions associated with monetary policy operations were notably the largest single category, totaling €17.636 billion. Supplementary liabilities included those to other euro area residents, which aggregated to €4.989 billion, with government liabilities playing a predominant role at €4.754 billion.

Other liability items, such as claims related to special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund at €494.193 million, and provisions of €596.571 million, further articulate the CBC’s exposure. Revaluation accounts stood at €1.643 billion, and overall capital and reserves were confirmed at €333.822 million, completing the picture of a well-capitalized institution.

Conclusive Insights And Strategic Alignment

The detailed breakdown illustrates the CBC’s sizeable intra-Eurosystem exposures, reinforcing its central role within Europe’s monetary landscape. With an asset-liability balance maintained at €29.545 billion, the CBC’s financial position remains robust, indicating a commitment to structural stability and strategic risk management.

This fiscal disclosure not only provides transparency into the CBC’s operations but also serves as a benchmark for comparative analysis among other central banks within the Eurosystem, highlighting the intricate balance between asset liquidity, regulatory oversight, and monetary policy imperatives.

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