AbbVie Acquires Gilgamesh Pharma's Depression Drug for Up to $1.2 Billion

AbbVie has agreed to acquire Gilgamesh Pharma's depression drug for up to $1.2 billion. The deal is expected to expand AbbVie's portfolio of treatments for depression and other psychiatric disorders. AbbVie's products are focused on treating various diseases, with net sales distributed across multiple countries. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move by AbbVie to strengthen its position in the psychiatric drug market.

North Chicago, Ill. and New York, Aug. 25, 2025 - AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) has agreed to acquire Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Gilgamesh) for up to $1.2 billion, including an upfront payment and development milestones. The acquisition is expected to expand AbbVie's portfolio of treatments for depression and other psychiatric disorders.

Deal Details

Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie will acquire Gilgamesh's lead investigational candidate, bretisilocin (GM-2505), a novel, short-acting serotonin (5-HT)2A receptor agonist and 5-HT releaser, currently in Phase 2 development for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The deal also includes an option-to-license agreement that remains in effect and will be transferred to Gilgamesh Pharma Inc., a new entity that will hold Gilgamesh's employees and other programs [1].

Strategic Significance

The acquisition underscores AbbVie's commitment to broadening and enhancing psychiatric care by investing in novel treatment approaches. "The field of psychiatry represents one of the most challenging areas in medicine, with a significant need for innovative solutions," said Roopal Thakkar, M.D., executive vice president, research and development and chief scientific officer, AbbVie. "This acquisition underscores our commitment to broadening and enhancing psychiatric care by investing in novel treatment approaches with the potential to reach patients for whom other treatments have been ineffective. We look forward to advancing bretisilocin to late-stage clinical development" [1].

Market Impact

The acquisition is seen as a strategic move by AbbVie to strengthen its position in the psychiatric drug market. Psychedelic compounds, including 5-HT2A receptor agonists, have gained recognition as potential treatments for mental health disorders, such as MDD, because of their demonstrated rapid, robust, and durable antidepressant effects. However, existing agents in this class are hampered by their long duration of psychoactive experience [1].

Financial Implications

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. The deal is expected to expand AbbVie's portfolio of treatments for depression and other psychiatric disorders, positioning the company to capture a larger share of the market. The transaction is seen as a significant investment in the company's future growth and market expansion.

References

[1] https://news.abbvie.com/2025-08-25-AbbVie-to-Acquire-Gilgamesh-Pharmaceuticals-Bretisilocin,-a-Novel,-Investigational-Therapy-for-Major-Depressive-Disorder,-Expanding-Psychiatry-Pipeline
[2] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbvie-to-acquire-gilgamesh-pharmaceuticals-bretisilocin-a-novel-investigational-therapy-for-major-depressive-disorder-expanding-psychiatry-pipeline-302537266.html