AbbVie to Acquire Capstan Therapeutics for $2 Billion
AbbVie has announced it will acquire Capstan Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on advancing in vivo cell engineering through RNA delivery using targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs). The deal includes Capstan’s lead drug candidate, an in vivo CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases that is currently in early-stage clinical trials. AbbVie will also gain Capstan’s platform for delivering RNA to specific cell types, which could help develop more targeted therapies in the future.
"Scientific innovation is required to address not just the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, but also to resolve and potentially cure the underlying disease," said Roopal Thakkar, Executive Vice President, R&D and Chief Scientific Officer, AbbVie. "By advancing CPTX2309 and utilizing Capstan's novel platform technology, AbbVie and Capstan aim to transform the care of those living with autoimmune diseases by developing treatments that have the potential to reset the immune system."
"In vivo CAR-T represents a potential new treatment modality in medicine – embodying the transformative power of cell therapy with the accessibility and scalability of an off-the-shelf biologic. This technology has the potential to become a first-in-class platform to treat a wide range of autoimmune diseases," said Laura Shawver, President and Chief Executive Officer, Capstan. "Through AbbVie's world-leading expertise in immunology research, clinical development, and its commercialization capabilities, we believe that this transaction moves us closer to delivering on our shared mission to bring these innovative therapies to patients in need."
Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie will pay up to $2.1 billion (€1.8 billion) in cash at closing to acquire Capstan, subject to certain customary adjustments. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
