US WorldMeds Acquires Adaptimmune's Cell-Therapy Portfolio, Ensuring Continued Patient Access to Tecelra and Advancing Development of lete-cel.

US WorldMeds has completed the acquisition of Adaptimmune's cell-therapy assets, including Tecelra, lete-cel, afami-cel, and uza-cel. USWM paid $55 million in cash and may fund up to $30 million in performance-based milestone payments. Tecelra will remain available to patients without interruption, and USWM plans to bring lete-cel to the US market with potential approval in 2026. Approximately half of Adaptimmune's US-based workforce is being offered roles at USWM.

US WorldMeds (USWM) has successfully closed its acquisition of Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc's (Adaptimmune) cell-therapy assets, including TECELRA® (afamitresgene autoleucel), lete–cel, afami–cel, and uza–cel. The transaction, first announced on July 28, 2025, was completed on August 4, 2025, under the terms of an Asset Purchase Agreement [1].

Under the agreement, USWM paid $55 million in cash at closing and committed to fund up to an additional $30 million in performance-based milestone payments tied to commercial and regulatory outcomes. Adaptimmune has retained rights to its pre-clinical programs, including PRAME– and CD70–directed T–cell therapies, and its allogeneic pipeline.

Key highlights of the acquisition include the continuity of patient care for TECELRA, which will remain available to patients without interruption under USWM's stewardship. USWM plans to bring lete–cel to the U.S. market, with potential regulatory approval anticipated in 2026, and will continue development of uza–cel in collaboration with Galapagos. Approximately half of Adaptimmune's U.S.-based workforce is being offered roles at USWM to support commercialization, production, and ongoing development of the acquired assets. Adaptimmune is providing transition services through June 2026 to ensure operational continuity.

Breck Jones, Chief Executive Officer of US WorldMeds, commented, "With the transaction now complete, we are excited to officially welcome Adaptimmune's programs and people into our organization. We are committed to building on the strong foundation Adaptimmune has established and advancing these therapies to bring lasting impact to patients with high unmet needs" [1].

The acquisition was advised by financial advisor TD Cowen and legal counsel Ropes & Gray LLP for Adaptimmune, while Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP provided legal counsel to US WorldMeds. The transaction was financed by debt financing led by funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. ("Oaktree"), with participation from funds managed by Athyrium Capital Management, LP ("Athyrium") [1].

US WorldMeds, a U.S.-based pharmaceutical company focused on rare and specialty treatments, expands further into oncology and cell therapy with this acquisition. The company's portfolio now includes approved therapies for rare diseases and bleeding disorders, as well as the newly acquired cell-therapy assets.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-worldmeds-completes-acquisition-of-adaptimmunes-celltherapy-portfolio-ensures-continued-patient-access-to-tecelra-and-advances-development-of-lete-cel-302520986.html