Key Takeaways

  • BMS is buying Orbital Therapeutics for $1.5 billion.
  • Orbital develops in vivo RNA cell therapies for immune system reprogramming.
  • The deal includes OTX-201, a preclinical in vivo CAR T candidate.
  • BMS gains Orbital’s RNA, LNP delivery, and AI design platforms.
  • The goal is simpler, safer, and more accessible RNA-based treatments for autoimmune diseases.

 

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) have announced that they have reached a definitive agreement to acquire cell therapy biotech Orbital therapeutics. Orbital have developed a suite of in vivo cell therapies which use RNA to reprogramme the immune system. BMS will pay $1.5 billion for the acquisition, subject to closing conditions.

Orbital’s CEO, Ron Philip, said: “This agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb, a recognized leader in global medicine, marks a transformational moment for Orbital and the advancement of RNA medicine.”

“Could redefine how we treat autoimmune diseases”

“In vivo CAR T represents a novel treatment approach that could redefine how we treat autoimmune diseases,” said Robert Plenge, Executive Vice President and Chief Research Officer at BMS.

“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. We are excited by the promise this holds for patients with autoimmune diseases who are waiting for better options.”

OTX-201: a preclinical in vivo CAR T candidate

Included in the acquisition is Orbital’s preclinical candidate OTX-201. The drug, which is currently undergoing IND-enabling studies, uses lipid nanoparticles do deliver an RNA payload in vivo encoding a CD19-targeting CAR. BMS is also acquire Orbital’s foundational platform for RNA engineering, LNP delivery, and AI driven design.

Lynelle B. Hoch, President of Cell Therapy Organization at BMS, said: “With the acquisition of Orbital Therapeutics and its next-generation RNA platform, we have an incredible opportunity to make CAR T-cell therapy more efficient and accessible to more patients.”

 She continued: “As a leader in cell therapy, we are uniquely positioned to evaluate multiple different platform approaches to induce immune reset in autoimmune diseases and continue to optimize in vivo technology in clinical development.”

“Simpler, safer, and more accessible” treatments

Philip commeted: “Since 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 program, OTX-201, underscore 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.”