Novartis has entered into an agreement to acquire Excellergy Inc., a private biotech company developing next-generation anti-IgE therapies for IgE-driven diseases. The proposed acquisition adds Exl-111, a half-life extended, high-affinity anti-IgE antibody in Phase 1.

Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will pay up to $2 billion in upfront and milestone payments to acquire Excellergy. The transaction is expected to close in H2 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

The acquisition builds on Novartis’ expertise in IgE biology and presence in allergic disease. Exl-111 is designed as a next-generation extension of validated biology established by anti-IgE therapy, with the potential to complement the Novartis existing allergy portfolio across a range of allergic conditions and patient settings.

“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. “Exl-111 is designed to go beyond conventional anti-IgE therapy, with the potential to deliver faster and deeper suppression of IgE signaling as well as improved symptom control. This proposed acquisition strengthens our allergy portfolio and reflects our strategy of advancing innovative bold science to bring meaningful additional benefits to patients.”

IgE is a central driver of multiple allergic diseases. Unlike conventional anti-IgE approaches, Exl-111 is designed to dissociate receptor-bound IgE with the potential to drive faster and deeper Fc epsilon RI alpha (FcεRIα) downregulation. Preclinical studies and early human pharmacokinetic data from ongoing Phase 1 evaluation support a differentiated profile, with evidence of sustained exposure consistent with its half‑life‑extended design. If confirmed clinically, this mechanism could support earlier symptom relief, stronger disease control, more convenient dosing and broader use across food allergy, chronic spontaneous urticaria, chronic inducible urticaria, allergic asthma and other IgE-mediated diseases, including potentially in pediatric populations.

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