HQ Team
March 28, 2026: Novartis AG will buy a US-based private biotech company, Excellergy, Inc, for $2 billion to expand its allergy portfolio.
Novartis will gain access to Excellergy’s antibody called Exl-111, meant for anti-IgE therapies for IgE-driven diseases, according to a statement.
IgE is a protein in the body that plays a major role in causing allergic reactions. It is the key driver behind many allergic diseases such as food allergies, asthma, and different types of hives (urticaria).
Current medicines that target IgE block new proteins from working. Exl-111 is designed to pull out IgE that is already stuck to the cells in the body. This action can quickly and more deeply calm down the allergic response system.
Early lab studies and the first results from human testing (Phase 1) look promising. The medicine stays in the body for a longer time, which means it may not need to be given very frequently.
Faster relief
If these results are confirmed in bigger clinical trials, Exl-111 could bring faster relief from allergy symptoms, better and stronger control over the disease, convenient dosing (probably fewer injections), the possibility to treat a wider range of allergic conditions, including food allergy, chronic hives, allergic asthma, and others and may be suitable for children in the future.
“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 signalling 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,” she said.
Novartis will pay up to $2 billion in upfront and milestone payments to acquire Excellergy. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of this year.
