On March 17, 2025, EsoBiotec SA announced a definitive acquisition agreement with AstraZeneca (NASDAQ: AZN). Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will acquire all outstanding shares of EsoBiotec in a cash and debt-free transaction valued at up to $1 billion. This includes an initial payment of $425 million at closing and up to $575 million in milestone payments based on development and regulatory achievements.
Transaction Details
The acquisition underscores AstraZeneca’s commitment to advancing its oncology portfolio through innovative cell therapy technologies. EsoBiotec, a pioneer in in vivo cell therapy, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca, with its operations headquartered in Belgium.
EsoBiotec’s Technology
EsoBiotec’s engineered nanobody lentivirus (ENaBL) platform represents a significant advancement in cell therapy. This technology enables the precise delivery of genetic instructions to specific immune cells, such as T cells, programming them to recognize and destroy cancer cells or pathogenic cells in autoimmune diseases. The ENaBL platform allows for rapid administration via simple intravenous injection, eliminating the need for immune cell depletion and reducing treatment time from weeks to minutes.-Fineline Info & Tech
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