AbbVie Inc has agreed to acquire Capstan Therapeutics in a deal worth up to $2.1 billion, marking a significant expansion of the pharmaceutical giant's immunology pipeline with access to a potential first-in-class treatment for autoimmune diseases and an innovative RNA delivery platform.
The acquisition centers on CPTX2309, Capstan's lipid nanoparticle-based therapy currently in Phase 1 trials that delivers mRNA directly into the body to program the immune system. The treatment represents a breakthrough in CAR-T cell therapy by engineering CD8 T cells inside the patient's body through a process known as in vivo engineering.
Revolutionary In Vivo CAR-T Approach
CPTX2309 is designed to engineer CD8 T cells to express an anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically targets and destroys B cells, which play a key role in autoimmune disease pathogenesis. This in vivo approach fundamentally differs from traditional CAR-T therapies by eliminating the need for complex and costly ex vivo manufacturing processes that require extracting, modifying, and reinfusing patient cells.
The technology leverages lipid nanoparticles, tiny fat-based particles that encapsulate and protect fragile mRNA molecules, helping them reach targeted cells throughout the body. This delivery system gained widespread recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic as the foundation for mRNA vaccines.
Advantages Over Traditional CAR-T Therapy
Unlike conventional CAR-T therapies, CPTX2309 does not require preconditioning with strong chemotherapy regimens and is designed to be administered as an off-the-shelf treatment. AbbVie stated that the technology offers the potential to reset the immune system by depleting harmful B cells while allowing healthy B cells to repopulate.
The San Diego-based Capstan has focused on developing treatments that combine the precision of cell therapy with the convenience and scalability of mass-produced biologic drugs. The company's approach addresses key limitations of current CAR-T therapies, including manufacturing complexity, treatment delays, and the need for intensive preconditioning protocols.
Targeted Delivery Platform
The acquisition also provides AbbVie with access to Capstan's targeted lipid nanoparticle (tLNP) system, which is specifically designed to deliver RNA payloads such as mRNA to particular cell types. This platform technology could potentially be applied beyond autoimmune diseases to other therapeutic areas.
Capstan's system combines lipid nanoparticles with proteins to deliver mRNA and reprogram cells directly inside the patient's body, representing a significant technological advancement in the field of cell and gene therapy.
Strategic Implications
The deal is subject to standard closing conditions, including antitrust clearance. If approved, the acquisition would significantly bolster AbbVie's immunology portfolio by adding a flexible RNA-based system with broad therapeutic potential across multiple disease areas.
This acquisition reflects the growing industry interest in next-generation cell therapies that can overcome the manufacturing and logistical challenges associated with traditional CAR-T treatments while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
