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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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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.