AstraZeneca to Acquire EsoBiotec in $1B Deal to Drive Next-Generation Cell Therapy

AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) has announced the acquisition of EsoBiotec, a leader in pioneering in vivo cell therapies. The acquisition centers around EsoBiotec’s innovative Engineered NanoBody Lentiviral (ENaBL) platform, which offers a transformative approach to cancer treatment and immune-mediated diseases.

EsoBiotec's cutting-edge technology delivers genetic instructions directly to immune cells like T cells using targeted lentiviruses, enabling rapid, on-site programming without the need for cell removal and extended processing. This method can deliver cell therapies in a matter of minutes through a simple IV injection—reducing the complexities and timelines associated with traditional treatments that can take weeks.

AstraZeneca’s Executive Vice President of Oncology Haematology R&D, Susan Galbraith, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to advance EsoBiotec’s promising in vivo platform, which has the potential to transform cell therapy and enable greater patient access globally.”

The deal, valued at up to $1 billion, includes an initial payment of $425 million and additional contingent payments based on development and regulatory milestones. The acquisition will bolster AstraZeneca's cell therapy portfolio, aligning with the company’s mission to expand access to transformative therapies worldwide.

With operations based in Belgium, EsoBiotec will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.