Novartis to Acquire Excellergy for Up to $2 Bn to Expand Anti-IgE Pipeline

The acquisition is aimed at expanding Novartis’ pipeline in IgE-mediated diseases, including allergic and immunological conditions.

Novartis has announced plans to acquire Excellergy, Inc., a private biotechnology company developing next-generation anti-IgE therapies, in a deal valued at up to $2 billion. The acquisition is aimed at expanding Novartis’ pipeline in IgE-mediated diseases, including allergic and immunological conditions.

The agreement includes upfront and milestone-based payments, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

A key asset in the acquisition is Exl-111, a half-life extended, high-affinity anti-IgE antibody currently in Phase 1 clinical trials. The therapy is being developed to target IgE-driven diseases and is designed to go beyond conventional anti-IgE approaches.

According to Novartis, Exl-111 has shown early pharmacokinetic data indicating sustained exposure, supported by preclinical studies. The therapy is designed to dissociate receptor-bound IgE, which could enable faster and deeper suppression of IgE signaling compared to existing treatments.

“IgE is a central driver of multiple allergic diseases. Exl-111 is designed to go beyond conventional anti-IgE therapy, with the potential to deliver improved symptom control,” said Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis.

If validated in clinical trials, the mechanism could support broader applications across conditions such as allergic asthma, chronic spontaneous urticaria, chronic inducible urticaria, and food allergies. The therapy may also have potential use in pediatric populations.

The acquisition builds on Novartis’ existing work in IgE biology and its established presence in the allergy segment. The company is seeking to expand its portfolio in immunology through targeted investments in early-stage assets with differentiated mechanisms.

Excellergy’s lead program is expected to complement Novartis’ current allergy portfolio and support its focus on advancing therapies for immune-mediated diseases.

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