Novartis Secures Excellergy in a $2 Billion Deal to Boost Allergy Treatment Innovations
Novartis, the Swiss pharmaceutical titan, announced on March 27, 2026, its plan to acquire Excellergy, Inc., a private U.S.-based biotech company. Excellergy is renowned for developing cutting-edge anti-IgE therapies for IgE-driven diseases. The deal is estimated to be worth up to $2 billion.
The proposed acquisition introduces Exl-111 into Novartis’ existing allergy portfolio. Exl-111 is a high-affinity anti-IgE antibody with a half-life extension, currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials. It is designed as a next-generation extension of validated biology established by anti-IgE therapy. The potential of Exl-111 lies in its ability to offer faster and deeper suppression of IgE signaling compared to conventional treatments.
Preclinical studies and early human pharmacokinetic data from the ongoing Phase 1 evaluation support a differentiated profile for Exl-111. Evidence of sustained exposure consistent with its half-life-extended design has been observed. If clinically confirmed, this mechanism could support earlier symptom relief, stronger disease control, more convenient dosing, and broader use across various IgE-mediated diseases. These include food allergy, chronic spontaneous urticaria, chronic inducible urticaria, allergic asthma, and potentially in pediatric populations.
“This proposed acquisition strengthens our allergy portfolio and reflects our strategy of advancing innovative bold science to bring meaningful additional benefits to patients,” said Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. This marks Novartis’ second multi-billion dollar acquisition in March 2026, following its $3 billion acquisition of Pikavation Therapeutics.
Source: Novartis