AbbVie to Acquire Capstan Therapeutics, Further Strengthening Commitment to Transforming Patient Care in Immunology
AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Capstan Therapeutics in a deal valued at up to $2.1 billion in cash. The acquisition centers on Capstan's lead asset CPTX2309, a potential first-in-class in vivo targeted lipid nanoparticle (tLNP) anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy currently in Phase 1 clinical trials for B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.
CPTX2309 delivers mRNA encoding an anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor to CD8-expressing cytotoxic T cells in vivo, offering a novel approach to treating autoimmune conditions. The therapy aims to deplete autoreactive antibody-producing pathogenic memory B cells and achieve immune system reset without requiring lymphodepletion preconditioning or complex ex vivo manufacturing.
The acquisition also includes Capstan's proprietary tLNP platform technology designed for RNA payload delivery. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act requirements.
[ "Acquisition of potential first-in-class therapy CPTX2309 currently in Phase 1 trials", "Technology eliminates need for complex ex vivo manufacturing and lymphodepletion preconditioning", "Platform has potential to treat wide range of autoimmune diseases", "Acquisition includes valuable proprietary tLNP platform technology" ]AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) ha annunciato un accordo definitivo per acquisire Capstan Therapeutics in un'operazione del valore fino a 2,1 miliardi di dollari in contanti. L'acquisizione si concentra sul principale prodotto di Capstan, CPTX2309, una potenziale terapia anti-CD19 CAR-T con nanoparticelle lipidiche mirate in vivo (tLNP) di prima classe, attualmente in fase 1 di sperimentazione clinica per malattie autoimmuni mediate da cellule B.
CPTX2309 veicola mRNA che codifica per un recettore antigenico chimerico anti-CD19 nelle cellule T citotossiche CD8-positive in vivo, offrendo un nuovo approccio al trattamento delle patologie autoimmuni. La terapia mira a eliminare le cellule B di memoria patogene produttrici di anticorpi autoreattivi e a ripristinare il sistema immunitario senza necessità di precondizionamento con linfodeplezione o complesse procedure di produzione ex vivo.
L'acquisizione comprende anche la tecnologia proprietaria della piattaforma tLNP di Capstan, progettata per la somministrazione di carichi utili di RNA. L'operazione è soggetta alle consuete condizioni di chiusura, inclusi i requisiti della Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) ha anunciado un acuerdo definitivo para adquirir Capstan Therapeutics en una operación valorada en hasta 2.100 millones de dólares en efectivo. La adquisición se centra en el principal activo de Capstan, CPTX2309, una posible terapia anti-CD19 CAR-T con nanopartículas lipídicas dirigidas in vivo (tLNP) de primera clase, actualmente en ensayos clínicos de fase 1 para enfermedades autoinmunes mediadas por células B.
CPTX2309 entrega ARN mensajero que codifica un receptor antigénico quimérico anti-CD19 a las células T citotóxicas CD8 en vivo, ofreciendo un enfoque novedoso para tratar condiciones autoinmunes. La terapia busca eliminar las células B de memoria patógenas productoras de anticuerpos autoreactivos y lograr un reinicio del sistema inmunológico sin necesidad de preacondicionamiento con linfodepleción ni manufactura ex vivo compleja.
La adquisición también incluye la tecnología propietaria de la plataforma tLNP de Capstan diseñada para la entrega de cargas útiles de ARN. La transacción está sujeta a las condiciones habituales de cierre, incluidos los requisitos de la Ley de Mejoras Antimonopolio Hart-Scott-Rodino.
AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV)는 최대 21억 달러 현금 가치의 거래로 Capstan Therapeutics를 인수하는 확정 계약을 발표했습니다. 이번 인수는 Capstan의 주요 자산인 CPTX2309에 초점을 맞추고 있으며, 이는 현재 1상 임상시험 중인 생체 내 표적 지질 나노입자(tLNP) 항-CD19 CAR-T 치료제의 선도 후보입니다. 이 치료제는 B세포 매개 자가면역질환을 대상으로 합니다.
CPTX2309는 생체 내 CD8 발현 세포독성 T세포에 항-CD19 키메릭 항원 수용체를 암호화하는 mRNA를 전달하여 자가면역 질환 치료에 새로운 접근법을 제공합니다. 이 치료법은 자가항체를 생성하는 병원성 기억 B세포를 제거하고 림프절 제거 전처치나 복잡한 체외 제조 과정 없이 면역 체계 재설정을 목표로 합니다.
이번 인수에는 RNA 전달용으로 설계된 Capstan의 독자적인 tLNP 플랫폼 기술도 포함됩니다. 거래는 Hart-Scott-Rodino 반독점법 요건을 포함한 일반적인 종결 조건의 적용을 받습니다.
AbbVie (NYSE : ABBV) a annoncé un accord définitif pour acquérir Capstan Therapeutics dans une transaction d'une valeur pouvant atteindre 2,1 milliards de dollars en espèces. L'acquisition porte sur le principal actif de Capstan, CPTX2309, une thérapie anti-CD19 CAR-T à nanoparticules lipidiques ciblées in vivo (tLNP) potentiellement de première classe, actuellement en essais cliniques de phase 1 pour des maladies auto-immunes médiées par les cellules B.
CPTX2309 délivre un ARNm codant pour un récepteur antigénique chimérique anti-CD19 aux cellules T cytotoxiques exprimant CD8 in vivo, offrant une nouvelle approche pour traiter les maladies auto-immunes. Cette thérapie vise à éliminer les cellules B mémoires pathogènes productrices d'anticorps auto-réactifs et à réinitialiser le système immunitaire sans nécessiter de préconditionnement par lymphodéplétion ni de fabrication ex vivo complexe.
L'acquisition inclut également la technologie propriétaire de la plateforme tLNP de Capstan, conçue pour la délivrance d'ARN. La transaction est soumise aux conditions habituelles de clôture, y compris les exigences de la Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) hat eine endgültige Vereinbarung zur Übernahme von Capstan Therapeutics in einem Deal im Wert von bis zu 2,1 Milliarden US-Dollar in bar angekündigt. Die Akquisition konzentriert sich auf Capstans führendes Produkt CPTX2309, eine potenzielle erstklassige in vivo zielgerichtete Lipid-Nanopartikel (tLNP) Anti-CD19 CAR-T-Therapie, die sich derzeit in der Phase 1-Klinikstudie für B-Zell-vermittelte Autoimmunerkrankungen befindet.
CPTX2309 liefert mRNA, die einen anti-CD19 chimären Antigenrezeptor an CD8-exprimierende zytotoxische T-Zellen in vivo codiert, und bietet einen neuartigen Ansatz zur Behandlung von Autoimmunerkrankungen. Die Therapie zielt darauf ab, autoreaktive, antikörperproduzierende pathogene Gedächtnis-B-Zellen zu eliminieren und das Immunsystem zurückzusetzen, ohne dass eine Lymphodepletion-Vorbehandlung oder eine komplexe ex vivo Herstellung erforderlich ist.
Die Übernahme umfasst auch Capstans proprietäre tLNP-Plattformtechnologie, die für die RNA-Frachtabgabe entwickelt wurde. Die Transaktion unterliegt den üblichen Abschlussbedingungen, einschließlich der Anforderungen des Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
- None.
- Significant cash expenditure of $2.1 billion for early-stage (Phase 1) asset
- Transaction still subject to regulatory approval and closing conditions
Insights
AbbVie's $2.1B Capstan acquisition brings in-vivo CAR-T technology that could revolutionize autoimmune disease treatment without complex manufacturing.
AbbVie's
This approach fundamentally transforms the CAR-T paradigm. Traditional CAR-T therapy requires extracting T cells, modifying them in specialized facilities, and reinfusing them—a complex, expensive process requiring extensive infrastructure. Capstan's technology reprograms T cells in vivo, eliminating the need for lymphodepletion preconditioning and complex manufacturing.
The mechanism targets CD19, a validated B-cell marker. By selectively depleting B cells—particularly pathogenic memory B cells that produce autoantibodies—and allowing repopulation with naïve B cells, this approach could potentially reset the immune system rather than merely suppressing symptoms. This represents a shift from disease management to potential disease modification or even remission in B cell-mediated autoimmune conditions.
Capstan's platform also features hepatic de-targeting, addressing a critical challenge in nanoparticle delivery by reducing unwanted liver accumulation. While CPTX2309 is only in Phase 1 trials, the broader platform technology could enable numerous applications beyond the lead asset, functioning as an engineerable delivery system for various RNA payloads to specific cell types.
AbbVie's $2.1B Capstan acquisition strengthens immunology portfolio with novel in-vivo CAR-T platform, representing significant long-term strategic value.
AbbVie's
The acquisition aligns perfectly with AbbVie's core strength in immunology, where the company has historically generated substantial revenue through blockbusters like Humira and newer offerings Skyrizi and Rinvoq. Rather than simply adding another symptomatic treatment, this technology potentially addresses the underlying mechanisms of autoimmune diseases—a significant advancement that could create substantial competitive advantage.
From a strategic perspective, this acquisition represents AbbVie's investment in future growth engines. While early-stage (Phase 1), the platform technology could yield multiple therapeutic candidates beyond CPTX2309. The potential to deliver CAR-T therapy without complex ex vivo manufacturing would substantially improve scalability and accessibility, potentially expanding the addressable market dramatically.
The
- Capstan's lead asset, CPTX2309, is a targeted lipid nanoparticle (tLNP) that delivers an mRNA encoding an anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to CD8-expressing cytotoxic T cells in vivo, and is a potential first-in-class product for treating B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases
- Proposed acquisition strengthens AbbVie's commitment to transforming the future of patient care with Capstan's innovative tLNP platform technology
"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, M.D., executive vice president, research and development 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, Ph.D., 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."
B cells contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. CD19 is a cell surface receptor expressed on B cells and is a clinically validated target for B cell depletion using ex vivo CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases. CPTX2309, a product of Capstan's proprietary technology platform that includes hepatic de-targeting, delivers an mRNA payload encoding an anti-CD19 CAR preferentially to reprogram CD8-expressing cytotoxic T cells. This process is achieved in vivo, without the need for lymphodepletion preconditioning and complex ex vivo manufacturing. The in vivo-modified CD8-expressing T cells will transiently express the CD19 CAR and deplete B cells in the periphery and tissues. Depletion of autoreactive antibody-producing pathogenic memory B cells and repopulation with naïve B cells, resulting in immune reset, has the potential to prevent disease progression and induce clinical remission.
Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie will pay up to
Advisors
Capstan's exclusive financial advisor was Centerview Partners LLC and Cooley LLP served as legal advisor.
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, neuroscience and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.
About Capstan Therapeutics, Inc.
Capstan is a clinical-stage biotechnology company with a mission to multiply the therapeutic possibilities for patients by developing targeted in vivo RNA technologies. Our proprietary CellSeeker™ tLNP platform technology is composed of novel LNPs conjugated with a recombinant protein binder, such as a monoclonal antibody, that deliver an RNA payload capable of engineering cells in vivo. Capstan's initial focus is on developing in vivo CAR-T therapies designed to combine the potency of CAR-T therapy with the convenience of an off-the-shelf product for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. For more information, please visit www.capstantx.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
No Offer or Solicitation
This press release is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, pursuant to the proposed transaction or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.
Forward-Looking Statements
Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions and uses of future or conditional verbs, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, challenges to intellectual property, competition from other products, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry, the impact of global macroeconomic factors, such as economic downturns or uncertainty, international conflict, trade disputes and tariffs, and other uncertainties and risks associated with global business operations. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in other documents that AbbVie subsequently files with the Securities and Exchange Commission that update, supplement or supersede such information. AbbVie undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines, to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.
AbbVie Contacts | |
Media: Lindsay Cangemi | Investors: Liz Shea |
Capstan Contacts | |
Media: Rhiannon Benilov | Investors: Miguel Arcinas |
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbvie-to-acquire-capstan-therapeutics-further-strengthening-commitment-to-transforming-patient-care-in-immunology-302494390.html
SOURCE AbbVie
FAQ
How much is AbbVie paying to acquire Capstan Therapeutics?
What is CPTX2309 and what stage of development is it in?
How does CPTX2309 differ from traditional CAR-T therapies?
What additional assets will AbbVie gain from the Capstan acquisition?
When is the AbbVie-Capstan acquisition expected to close?
