AbbVie Acquires Capstan Therapeutics for Up to $2.1B to Enhance Immunology Portfolio

AbbVie has completed its acquisition of clinical-stage biotech Capstan Therapeutics for up to $2.1B. The deal includes Capstan's lead asset, CPTX2309, a targeted lipid nanoparticle, anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy for B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases in phase 1. The acquisition is expected to strengthen AbbVie's immunology portfolio.

AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) has completed its acquisition of Capstan Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, for up to $2.1 billion. The acquisition includes Capstan's lead asset, CPTX2309, a targeted lipid nanoparticle (tLNP) anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy candidate for B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases in Phase 1 clinical trials [2].

The deal is expected to strengthen AbbVie's immunology portfolio, particularly in the CAR-T cell therapy space. CPTX2309 is a tLNP that generates CD19-specific, CD8+ in vivo CAR-T cells, designed to achieve rapid and deep B cell depletion with the aim of achieving durable, drug-free remission. This can be accomplished without the need for lymphodepleting chemotherapy, while also avoiding other challenges associated with conventional ex vivo CAR-T therapies [2].

"With the acquisition now complete, we are excited to work together with the talented team at Capstan to advance our mission of transforming patient care," said Jonathon Sedgwick, Ph.D., senior vice president and global head of discovery research, AbbVie [2].

Capstan's proprietary tLNP platform, designed to deliver RNA payloads, such as mRNA, capable of engineering specific cell types in vivo, will also be integrated into AbbVie's portfolio. This technology could enable broader applications of Capstan's platform for in vivo programming of cells [2].

The acquisition is part of AbbVie's ongoing strategy to expand its pipeline and strengthen its position in immunology. The deal also highlights AbbVie's commitment to investing in innovative therapies that address serious health issues [2].

References:
[1] https://rapport.racap.com/all-stories/capstan-abbvie-car-t-pioneer
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/abbvie-completes-acquisition-capstan-therapeutics-125500277.html