Private equity firm Blackstone is exploring the sale of Anthos Therapeutics, a developer of a new generation of blood thinners it launched four years ago with backing from Novartis, according to people familiar with the matter.
Anthos, which does not yet have any approved products or generate revenue, could be worth several billion dollars in a potential sale, significantly more than the $250 million Blackstone invested when it founded Anthos in 2019.
The company's anticoagulants have progressed to late-stage clinical trials - typically the final testing phase before seeking approval - which is why its value is seen as significantly more than four years ago.
Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Anthos' most advanced product, a monoclonal antibody called abelacimab, is intended for patients with atrial fibrillation who do not respond well to other anticoagulants because of heavy bleeding.
Over 37 million people worldwide are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, Anthos said last month, citing research studies. The heart rhythm disorder significantly increases the risk of stroke.
Blackstone is working with investment bankers to explore a sale of Anthos, the sources said, cautioning that no deal is certain and requesting anonymity because the matter is confidential.
