Basel, Switzerland | March 27, 2026
Strategic Acquisition Strengthens Allergy Leadership
Novartis has announced a major strategic move to expand its immunology pipeline by agreeing to acquire Excellergy, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on next-generation anti-IgE therapies for IgE-driven diseases. The deal, valued at up to $2 billion in upfront and milestone payments, reinforces Novartis’ commitment to advancing innovative treatments for allergic conditions, including food allergy, asthma, and chronic urticaria.
This acquisition builds on Novartis’ deep expertise in IgE biology and strengthens its position in a rapidly evolving therapeutic area with significant unmet medical need. By integrating Excellergy’s pipeline, Novartis aims to accelerate the development of differentiated immunology therapies that offer improved clinical outcomes and patient convenience.
Exl-111: Next-Generation Anti-IgE Innovation
At the core of the acquisition is Exl-111, a Phase 1, half-life extended, high-affinity anti-IgE antibody designed to go beyond conventional therapies. Unlike traditional anti-IgE treatments, Exl-111 is engineered to dissociate receptor-bound IgE, enabling faster and deeper suppression of allergic pathways. This novel mechanism targets the FcεRIα receptor pathway, potentially leading to more rapid symptom relief, improved disease control, and less frequent dosing.
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Early preclinical and pharmacokinetic data suggest a sustained therapeutic effect, positioning Exl-111 as a promising candidate for a wide range of allergic diseases. If clinical benefits are confirmed, the therapy could significantly enhance treatment options across multiple patient populations, including pediatric and severe allergy cases, where current therapies often fall short.
Expanding Immunology Pipeline and Future Impact
The acquisition aligns with Novartis’ broader strategy to lead in immunology and inflammatory disease innovation, complementing its existing portfolio and advancing next-generation biologics. IgE plays a central role in allergic disease pathogenesis, and targeting this pathway with improved mechanisms could transform treatment paradigms by delivering more durable and effective disease control. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
With this move, Novartis is positioning itself at the forefront of precision immunology, focusing on therapies that not only alleviate symptoms but also address underlying disease mechanisms. As the global burden of allergic diseases continues to rise, investments in cutting-edge biologics and targeted therapies are critical to improving patient outcomes and expanding access to next-generation healthcare solutions.
Source: Novartis, Excellergy press release
