What's Happening?
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has announced the acquisition of Orbital Therapeutics, a Cambridge-based developer of in vivo cell therapies, for $1.5 billion. Orbital specializes in RNA medicines that reprogram immune cells to treat diseases, with its leading candidate being OTX-201, an in vivo CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases. This acquisition follows a trend of major pharmaceutical companies investing in cell-based therapies that do not require the harvesting and modification of patients' cells. BMS aims to diversify its cell therapy portfolio, which already includes marketed ex vivo CAR-T therapies.
Why It's Important?
The acquisition of Orbital Therapeutics by BMS underscores the growing interest in in vivo cell therapies, which offer a less invasive alternative to traditional CAR-T treatments. This move could significantly impact the treatment landscape for autoimmune diseases, providing new therapeutic options that enhance patient outcomes. By integrating Orbital's technology, BMS strengthens its position in the competitive cell therapy market, potentially leading to innovative treatments that could redefine standards of care. The deal also highlights the strategic importance of RNA-based therapies in modern medicine.
What's Next?
BMS plans to start clinical testing of OTX-201 next year, targeting B cell-driven autoimmune diseases. The acquisition will allow BMS to leverage Orbital's proprietary discovery platform, including its AI-powered drug design system. As the development progresses, BMS will focus on integrating Orbital's technology into its existing research framework, potentially leading to new collaborations and partnerships. The success of this acquisition could influence other pharmaceutical companies to explore similar investments in RNA and cell-based therapies.
