AstraZeneca Acquires Gracell Biotechnologies

AstraZeneca Acquires Gracell Biotechnologies

By, Admin 24 February 2024

AstraZeneca completes acquisition of clinical-stage biopharma company, Gracell Biotechnologies

AstraZeneca announced the successful completion of the acquisition of Gracell Biotechnologies Inc., a global clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative cell therapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, furthering AstraZeneca’s cell therapy ambition.

Acquisition Impact on AstraZeneca

  • The acquisition enriches AstraZeneca’s growing pipeline of cell therapies with GC012F, a novel, clinical-stage FasTCAR-enabled BCMA and CD19 dual-targeting autologous chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. 
  • GC012F is a potential new treatment for multiple myeloma, as well as other haematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • Gracell will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca, with operations in China and the US.

Terms of Agreement

Under the terms of the definitive agreement, AstraZeneca has acquired all of Gracell’s fully diluted share capital (including shares represented by ADSs) through a merger for a price of $2.00 per ordinary share in cash at closing (equivalent to $10.00 per ADS of Gracell) plus a non-tradable contingent value right of $0.30 per ordinary share (equivalent to $1.50 per ADS of Gracell) in cash payable upon achievement of a specified regulatory milestone.

The upfront cash portion of the consideration represents a transaction value of approximately $1.0 billion. Combined, the upfront and potential contingent value payments represent, if achieved, a transaction value of approximately $1.2 billion.

About GC012F

  • GC012F is Gracell’s FasTCAR-enabled BCMA/CD19 dual-targeting autologous CAR-T cell therapy, which aims to transform cancer and autoimmune disease treatment by seeking to drive deep and durable responses with an improved safety profile. 
  • GC012F is currently being evaluated in clinical studies in multiple haematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases. 
  • Gracell has initiated a phase Ib/II trial evaluating GC012F for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in the US. 

AstraZeneca’s Work on Haematology

  • AstraZeneca is pushing the boundaries of science to redefine care in haematology. 
  • It have expanded our commitment to patients with haematologic conditions, not only in oncology but also in rare diseases with the acquisition of Alexion, allowing us to reach more patients with high unmet needs. 
  • By applying our deep understanding of blood cancers, leveraging our strength in solid tumour oncology and delivering on Alexion’s pioneering legacy in complement science to provide innovative medicines for rare diseases, we are pursuing the end-to-end development of novel therapies designed to target underlying drivers of disease.
  • By targeting haematologic conditions with high unmet medical needs, we aim to deliver innovative medicines and approaches to improve patient outcomes. 
  • Its goal is to help transform the lives of patients living with malignant, rare and other related haematologic diseases, shaped by insights from patients, caregivers and physicians to have the most meaningful impact.

AstraZeneca in Oncology 

AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients.

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