Novartis AG (ADR) (NYSE:NVS) announced an agreement to acquire Excellergy, a private biotech company developing next-generation anti-IgE therapies for allergic diseases.
Under the agreement, Novartis will pay up to US$2 billion in upfront and milestone payments for Excellergy.
The acquisition is set to add Exl-111, a half-life extended, high-affinity anti-IgE antibody currently in Phase 1, to Novartis’ allergy portfolio.
Novartis said the deal supports its immunology strategy, particularly in food allergy and other IgE-driven conditions. Exl-111 is designed to dissociate receptor-bound IgE, potentially offering faster and deeper suppression of IgE signaling compared with conventional anti-IgE therapies. Preclinical data and early human pharmacokinetics indicate sustained exposure consistent with its half-life‑extended design.
“Excellergy adds a differentiated next-generation anti-IgE program that builds on biology Novartis knows well, supported by preclinical evidence and early clinical pharmacokinetic data,” said Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis.
“This proposed acquisition strengthens our allergy portfolio and reflects our strategy of advancing innovative bold science to bring meaningful additional benefits to patients.”
The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Shares of Novartis were little changed on the news, trading hands at $150.