AbbVie Acquires Capstan Therapeutics for $2.1B, Expanding In Vivo CAR-T Portfolio

AbbVie has announced the acquisition of Capstan Therapeutics in a deal worth up to $2.1 billion, marking a significant move into the emerging field of in vivo CAR-T therapy. The all-cash buyout gives AbbVie access to Capstan's novel technology for treating B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases and adds to a growing trend of pharmaceutical mergers and acquisitions in the industry.

Capstan's In Vivo CAR-T Technology

Capstan's flagship asset, CPTX2309, is an in vivo edited CAR-T therapy currently in Phase I trials for B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. The therapy utilizes Capstan's proprietary tLNP technology, which packages and delivers RNA to enable in vivo editing of specific cells. This approach combines a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) containing RNA with a guide protein, such as a monoclonal antibody, to deliver the LNP to targeted cells for reprogramming.

Laura Shawver, CEO of Capstan, stated, "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."

Strategic Implications for AbbVie

The acquisition of Capstan aligns with AbbVie's strategy to expand its presence in the autoimmune disease market, potentially filling the gap left by Humira's loss of exclusivity in 2022. Industry analysts speculate that CPTX2309 could target conditions such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

This deal marks AbbVie's fourth major acquisition in the last four months and its seventh in the past nine months. Recent transactions include a potential multi-billion-dollar deal with ADARx Pharmaceuticals for an siRNA drug, a $2.2 billion agreement with Gubra for an amylin drug, and a $2.1 billion pact with Xilio Therapeutics for a T cell engager.

Broader Industry Implications

The AbbVie-Capstan deal reflects a growing interest in in vivo CAR-T therapies across the pharmaceutical industry. This approach aims to overcome limitations of traditional CAR-T treatments, such as manufacturing complexity, high costs, and the need for lymphodepleting chemotherapy.

Other companies exploring similar technologies include Interius BioTherapeutics and Umoja Biopharma, both of which are targeting oncology applications. The acquisition could signal increased competition and investment in this promising field of cell therapy research.