New Discovery Centre. (Credit: AstraZeneca)


AstraZeneca has announced its acquisition of EsoBiotec, a Belgian biotechnology company specializing in in vivo cell therapies, in a deal valued at up to $1 billion. This strategic move strengthens AstraZeneca’s position in cell therapy innovation, particularly in the fight against cancer and immune-mediated diseases.

Revolutionizing Cell Therapy with the ENaBL Platform

EsoBiotec has developed the Engineered NanoBody Lentiviral (ENaBL) platform, a cutting-edge technology that uses targeted lentiviruses to deliver genetic instructions to immune cells, such as T cells. This novel approach enhances the body’s immune response by directly programming cells to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. Unlike traditional cell therapies, which require complex manufacturing and immune cell depletion, ENaBL enables a simple IV-administered treatment, potentially transforming the landscape of oncology and immunotherapy.

Deal Structure and Strategic Impact

Under the agreement, AstraZeneca will acquire all outstanding equity shares of EsoBiotec with an upfront payment of $425 million, followed by an additional $575 million contingent on development and regulatory milestones. The acquisition is expected to be finalized by Q2 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

Following the acquisition, EsoBiotec will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca, maintaining its headquarters in Belgium. Despite the deal, AstraZeneca has confirmed that the acquisition will not affect its 2025 financial guidance.

AstraZeneca’s Vision for Next-Generation Cell Therapies

Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President of Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca, emphasized the significance of the acquisition, stating:

“We are excited about the acquisition of EsoBiotec and the opportunity to rapidly advance their promising in vivo platform. We believe it has the potential to transform cell therapy and will enable us to scale these innovative treatments so that many more patients around the world can access them.”

This acquisition aligns with AstraZeneca’s ongoing commitment to next-generation cell therapy research, building on previous investments in oncology and immunotherapy.

The Future of In Vivo Cell Therapy

EsoBiotec’s in vivo genetic engineering technology offers a promising alternative to traditional cell therapies, addressing key challenges such as high costs, complex manufacturing, and limited patient accessibility. By integrating EsoBiotec’s ENaBL platform, AstraZeneca aims to accelerate the development of cost-effective, scalable, and highly targeted immunotherapies. EsoBiotec’s CEO Jean-Pierre Latere expressed optimism about the partnership, stating:

“We look forward to working with AstraZeneca, a global leader in drug development, to bring transformative, cost-effective cell therapies to more patients globally. By combining our expertise and resources, we can accelerate the development of our in vivo platform, which has broad therapeutic potential.”

AstraZeneca's Expanding Biotech Portfolio

This acquisition follows AstraZeneca’s recent $160 million deal to acquire FibroGen’s China subsidiary, further reinforcing its strategy to expand its global biopharmaceutical and oncology capabilities. The acquisition of EsoBiotec represents a significant step toward scalable and accessible cell therapies, unlocking new opportunities in cancer treatment and immune system modulation. With AstraZeneca’s resources and expertise, the ENaBL platform could redefine how cell-based therapies are developed and delivered, potentially revolutionizing patient care worldwide.

Stay tuned for more updates on groundbreaking advancements in nanobody technology and cell therapy!

Reference: World Pharmaceutical Frontiers