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Leading global biopharmaceutical company AbbVie Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Capstan Therapeutics Inc., a San Diego-based biotechnology firm specializing in cell therapy, for up to $2.1 billion. The sale marks a strategic expansion of AbbVie’s capabilities in immunology, with Cooley LLP serving as legal counsel to Capstan in the transaction.

The acquisition includes Capstan’s lead investigational therapy, CPTX2309, which is currently in early-stage development for treating B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, as well as Capstan’s proprietary CellSeeker platform. This novel in vivo CAR-T platform aims to reprogram cells within the body to reset immune responses and treat a range of autoimmune conditions.

“This acquisition reinforces AbbVie’s commitment to scientific innovation in immunology,” said Dr. Roopal Thakkar, AbbVie’s EVP of R&D and Chief Scientific Officer. “Capstan’s groundbreaking platform and lead candidate, CPTX2309, have the potential to not just manage but transform care for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases.”

Founded in 2021, Capstan Therapeutics is backed by prominent investors including RA Capital Management, Forbion, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Mubadala Capital, Alexandria Venture Investments, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Eli Lilly and Co.

“In vivo CAR-T is an emerging frontier in medicine,” said Laura Shawver, CEO of Capstan. “Through AbbVie’s leadership in immunology and our shared mission to advance patient care, this transaction accelerates the path to bringing these next-generation therapies to those in need.”

Cooley LLP advised Capstan on the deal, with legal representation from Rama Padmanabhan, Ken Rollins, Edmond Lay, Charity Williams, and Lindsey O'Crump.

The Capstan acquisition follows a series of recent strategic moves by AbbVie, including the purchases of Aliada Therapeutics, Celsius Therapeutics, ImmunoGen Inc., and Cerevel Therapeutics, further strengthening its pipeline in autoimmune, inflammatory, oncology, and neuroscience sectors.