Cambridge, Massachusetts, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has announced a major acquisition of Orbital Therapeutics for $1.5 billion. This strategic move is designed to enhance BMS’s capabilities in RNA and cell-based therapies, especially focusing on autoimmune diseases. Orbital Therapeutics specializes in CAR T-cell therapy known as OTX-201, which is currently in preclinical stages. This innovative approach has the potential to transform treatment accessibility and delivery, highlighting BMS’s commitment to advanced therapeutic technologies in the healthcare sector.
Bristol Myers Squibb Acquires Orbital Therapeutics for $1.5 Billion
Cambridge, Massachusetts – Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) announced a strategic acquisition of Orbital Therapeutics for $1.5 billion in cash. This transaction aims to strengthen BMS’s position in the rapidly evolving fields of RNA and cell-based therapies, particularly those targeting autoimmune diseases.
Details of the Acquisition
Orbital Therapeutics, founded in 2022 and based in Cambridge, specializes in investigational in vivo chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, known as OTX-201. Currently at the preclinical stage, OTX-201 targets autoimmune diseases through an innovative approach that consists of optimized circular RNA encoding a CD19-targeted CAR, delivered via targeted lipid nanoparticles. This method allows a patient’s body to produce CAR T-cells, potentially decreasing treatment burdens and increasing accessibility compared to traditional ex vivo CAR T-cell therapies.
Significance of In Vivo CAR T-Cell Therapy
The acquisition emphasizes BMS’s commitment to in vivo technology, which could simplify treatment delivery and improve patient outcomes. Robert Plenge, Chief Research Officer at BMS, noted the potential of in vivo CAR T as a novel treatment approach that could redefine care for autoimmune diseases. Lynelle Hoch, President of BMS’s Cell Therapy Organization, remarked that this acquisition presents substantial opportunities for advancing more efficient CAR T-cell therapies.
BMS’s Existing Cell Therapy Portfolio
BMS has been actively involved in the development of cell therapies, already offering products such as Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel) and Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel), both of which received European approval in recent years. The new acquisition aims to further enhance BMS’s robust cell therapy research platform.
Current Landscape of the Cell Therapy Sector
While BMS fortifies its positioning in the cell therapy market, the industry experiences mixed developments. Some companies, such as Takeda, are withdrawing from clinical activities in this sector. Conversely, competitors like AstraZeneca and AbbVie are also making significant investments in in vivo therapies, including acquisitions of early-phase autoimmune therapies.
Investment Backing
Prior to this acquisition, Orbital Therapeutics had raised $270 million from various investors, including Arch Venture Partners, in 2023. The deal marks one of BMS’s largest biotech acquisitions of the year, signaling its strategic focus on pioneering new avenues in immune reprogramming.
Legal Aspects of the Acquisition
Legal counsel for BMS was provided by Covington & Burling LLP, while Goodwin Procter LLP represented Orbital Therapeutics throughout the transaction.
FAQs
What is the value of the acquisition of Orbital Therapeutics by Bristol Myers Squibb?
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) announced the acquisition of Orbital Therapeutics for $1.5 billion in cash.
What therapy is Bristol Myers Squibb focusing on with this acquisition?
The acquisition focuses on Orbital’s investigational in vivo chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, OTX-201, which targets autoimmune diseases.
What are the benefits of the OTX-201 therapy?
OTX-201’s approach allows the patient’s body to produce CAR T-cells, which could reduce treatment burden and increase accessibility compared to traditional ex vivo CAR T-cell therapies.
What is the significance of in vivo CAR T-cell therapy?
In vivo CAR T represents a novel treatment approach that could redefine treatment for autoimmune diseases.
Who provided legal counsel for the acquisition?
Covington & Burling LLP acted as legal counsel for BMS, while Goodwin Procter LLP represented Orbital Therapeutics in the transaction.
Key Features of the Acquisition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Value | $1.5 billion |
| Focus of Acquisition | In vivo chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy (OTX-201) |
| Stage of Development | Preclinical |
| Key Target | Autoimmune diseases |
| Delivery Method | Optimized circular RNA via lipid nanoparticles |
| Potential Benefits | Reduced treatment burden, increased accessibility |
| Legal Counsel: | Covington & Burling LLP (BMS), Goodwin Procter LLP (Orbital) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- BioPharma Dive
- Wikipedia: RNA Therapy
- Barron’s
- Google Search: Bristol Myers Squibb Cell Therapy
- Fierce Biotech
- Google Scholar: Autoimmune diseases CAR T-cell therapy
- USA Herald
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapy
- European Pharmaceutical Review
- Google News: Bristol Myers Squibb Orbital Therapeutics
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