Galapagos to acquire CellPoint and AboundBio to accelerate access to next-generation cell therapies
In June 2022, Galapagos acquired CellPoint and AboundBio, propelling Galapagos into next-generation cell therapy, while significantly broadening our portfolio and capabilities. We believe that real differentiation and access to therapy can come from a disruptive CAR-T manufacturing model at point-of-care, close to patients, combined with innovative science and expert teams. CellPoint brings a clinical CAR-T pipeline through a novel point-of-care delivery model, which offers fast vein-to-vein time and eliminates complex logistics, resulting in potential better patient outcomes and broader access. AboundBio’s cutting-edge, fully human antibody-based platform provides access to a research engine for multi-targeting CAR-Ts that have the potential deliver deeper and durable clinical responses, as well as additional drug modalities. Deploying our end-to-end capabilities and financial resources, we aim to speed-up the development and broaden access to potential transformational cell therapies across the world.
The acquisitions are a first step in our transformation to strengthen our R&D pipeline and capabilities. Alongside this expansion into oncology, we stay committed to our current core areas, and are confident we can build on our talented team. In parallel, together with the various teams, we will further map out the next strategic steps for our portfolio and explore additional BD opportunities. More to come later this year.
Galapagos to acquire CellPoint and AboundBio to accelerate access to next-generation cell therapies
Potential for paradigm shift in CAR-T therapy with CellPoint’s decentralized point-of-care manufacturing model, in partnership with Lonza, and AboundBio’s cutting-edge fully human antibody-based capabilities, providing a platform of next-generation CAR-Ts and bispecific antibodies
Clinical validation of decentralized production platform with CD19 CAR-T in 2 Phase 1/2a studies in relapsed/refractory Non-Hodgkin’s-Lymphoma (rrNHL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (rrCLL) ongoing, with topline results expected in H1 2023
Positions Galapagos in next-generation cancer therapy market and significantly broadens portfolio and capabilities
All cash acquisition of CellPoint for an upfront amount of €125 million, with milestone payments up to €100 million and AboundBio for $14 million
Vor to Develop Multi-Targeted CAR-Ts with Abound Bio
Vor Biopharma (Nasdaq: VOR) and Abound Bio today announced they have entered into a multi-year strategic collaboration and license agreement to research both single- and multi-targeted CAR-T treatments to be used in combination with Vor’s engineered hematopoietic stem cell (eHSC) platform, with the goal of generating novel treatment systems for patients fighting acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other devastating forms of blood cancer.
Yufan Biotechnologies and Abound Bio Sign Multi-Year Agreement to Develop Next Generation CAR T-cell Therapies for Cancer
Yufan Biotechnologies has now partnered with AboundBio to direct CAR T-cells against cancer targets. The agreement covers 10 cancer targets over multiple years with shared inventorship and development rights for the new technologies.
Company CEO, John Mellors and CSO, Dimiter Dimitrov joined UPMC COVID-19 Preparedness Press Briefing about Potential Anti-COVID-19 Drug
Scientists at UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh have created an anti-COVID-19 drug that treats and prevents infection from SARS-CoV-2 virus in animals. Abound Bio has licensed the drug for worldwide development. On September 15, company CEO John Mellors and CSO Dimiter Dimitrov joined the UPMC COVID-19 Preparedness Press Briefing.
Integral Molecular Provides Rapid Safety Testing of COVID-19 Antibody Therapeutics with its Membrane Proteome Array Technology
Researchers from Abound Bio and collaborators used the MPA to profile a promising monoclonal antibody that targets and neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 virus with high potency by blocking its binding to the ACE2 protein, the key interaction that drives infection. As described in a recent pre-print on bioRxiv, this antibody did not show off-target binding to any human proteins on the MPA and is being progressed for further development…
Highly experienced senior executive with 30+ year’s experience in private and public companies, company formation and growth, technology and company investments, pharmaceutical and medical device product development, basic research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, strategic planning, business development, licensing, project management, investor relations and executive management.