Key Takeaways
- AbbVie acquires Capstan Therapeutics for $2.1 billion: The deal adds a first-in-class in vivo chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy candidate, CPTX2309, to AbbVie’s immunology pipeline.
- CPTX2309 targets B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases: This Phase I therapy reprograms CD8+ T cells in vivo, eliminating the need for complex ex vivo manufacturing.
- AbbVie expands 2025 dealmaking momentum: The Capstan deal follows recent collaborations with Gubra, Xilio, Simcere, and Neomorph to diversify AbbVie’s therapeutic portfolio.
AbbVie announced that it has acquired Capstan Therapeutics. The acquisition includes Capstan’s lead candidate, CPTX2309—an anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy currently in Phase I development for B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. The deal also includes the company’s proprietary tLNP platform designed to deliver RNA payloads directly to specific cell types in vivo.
Under the terms of the deal, AbbVie will pay up to $2.1 billion in cash at closing, subject to certain customary adjustments. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including the expiration of the applicable Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust waiting period.1
What Makes This CAR T-cell Therapy a Potential Breakthrough in Autoimmune Treatment?
"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, MD, EVP, research and development, chief scientific officer, AbbVie, in a press release. "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."
According to AbbVie, CPTX2309 aims to reprogram CD8+ T cells in vivo, eliminating the need for preconditioning or complex manufacturing, and has the potential to reset the immune system by targeting and depleting autoreactive B cells, unlike traditional ex vivo CAR T therapies.1
Building on a Busy Year of Strategic Transactions
The deal builds on a series of strategic transactions AbbVie has executed this year. In March, the company announced that it had agreed to terms with Gubra to develop GUB014295, a weight loss therapy aimed at appetite regulation. Under the terms of the deal, AbbVie will handle development and global commercialization, paying Gubra $350 million upfront, with the potential to receive an additional $1.875 billion pending development and sales milestones.2
In February, the company announced that it had entered into a collaboration with Xilio Therapeutics to develop novel tumor-activated, antibody-based immunotherapies, including masked T-cell engagers. Under the deal terms, Xilio will receive $52 million upfront—including a $10 million equity investment—and may earn up to $2.1 billion in option fees, milestones, and tiered royalties.3
At the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in January, AbbVie also announced a licensing agreement with Simcere Zaiming to develop SIM0500, an investigational new drug candidate for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Under the terms of the deal, Simcere Zaiming will have the potential to receive up to $1.055 billion in option fees and milestone payments.4
Also in January, AbbVie announced a collaboration and an option-to-license with Neomorph to develop molecular glue degraders. Under the terms of the deal, Neomorph will have the potential to receive up to $1.64 billion in aggregate option fees, milestones, tiered royalties on net sales, as well as an upfront payment.5
Capstan Technology Enhances AbbVie’s Cell Therapy Ambitions
"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, PhD, president, CEO, Capstan, in the press release. "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."
References
- AbbVie to Acquire Capstan Therapeutics, Further Strengthening Commitment to Transforming Patient Care in Immunology. PR Newswire. June 30, 2025. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbvie-to-acquire-capstan-therapeutics-further-strengthening-commitment-to-transforming-patient-care-in-immunology-302494390.html
- AbbVie, Gubra Strike Deal to Develop Novel Weight Loss Treatment. PharmExec. March 3, 2025. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/abbvie-gubra-strike-deal-develop-novel-weight-loss-treatment
- AbbVie and Xilio Therapeutics Announce Collaboration and Option Agreement to Develop Novel Tumor-Activated Immunotherapies. PR Newswire. February 12, 2025. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbvie-and-xilio-therapeutics-announce-collaboration-and-option-agreement-to-develop-novel-tumor-activated-immunotherapies-302371535.html
- Flurry of Acquisitions and Licensing Deals Come Amid JP Morgan Healthcare Conference 2025. PharmExec. January 13, 2025. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/flurry-acquisitions-licensing-deals-come-amid-jp-morgan-healthcare-conference-2025
- AbbVie, Neomorph Strike Deal to Co-Develop Molecular Glue Degraders for Oncology, Immunology. PharmExec. January 24, 2025. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/abbvie-neomorph-strike-deal-co-develop-molecular-glue-degraders-oncology-immunology
