Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has agreed to acquire Orbital Therapeutics in a deal valued at $1.5bn.
Robert Plenge, executive VP and chief research officer at BMS. “In vivo CAR T represents a novel treatment approach that could redefine how we treat autoimmune diseases.
“This acquisition enhances our robust cell therapy research platform and provides an opportunity to advance a potential best-in-class therapy designed to deplete autoreactive B cells and reset the immune system.”
Through the acquisition, BMS will gain Orbital’s lead preclinical RNA immunotherapy candidate, OTX-201, an investigational next-generation CAR T cell therapy designed to reprogramme cells in vivo. This in vivo approach aims to reduce treatment burden and improve accessibility relative to traditional ex vivo CAR T cell therapies.
BMS will also acquire Orbital’s proprietary RNA platform, which combines circular and linear RNA engineering with advanced lipid nanoparticle delivery and AI-enabled design to create programmable RNA therapies targeting a broad range of diseases.
Ron Philip, CEO of Orbital Therapeutics said: “Since its inception, Orbital has made significant strides developing a differentiated RNA platform designed to enable a new generation of RNA medicines that reach more tissues, address more diseases and benefit more patients.
“The promising early data from our lead programme, OTX-201, underscores the strength of this approach and the potential of our integrated RNA technologies. Together, we aim to deliver RNA medicines that provide patients with treatments that are simpler, safer and more accessible compared to today’s complex therapies.”
Until completion, BMS and Orbital, an RNA-focused biotech company, will continue to operate as separate, independent entities.