Regeneron Acquires 2seventy bio’s Novel Immune Cell Therapy Pipeline

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After striking a deal with 2seventy bio, Inc. to acquire full development and commercialization rights to its pipeline of investigational novel immune cell therapies—along with its expertise in discovery and clinical manufacturing—Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has decided to create Regeneron Cell Medicines, a newly formed research and development unit. The objective is to further cell therapies in both the oncology and immunology spaces.

As part of the acquisition, which is anticipated to close by the first half of 2024, Regeneron will pay $5 million upfront, along with a single milestone payment to 2seventy bio once the first major market approval of the first approved product is complete. Regeneron will also provide 2seventy bio with a low single-digit percent royalty on any revenues that the products generate.

The deal further specifies that Regeneron will now have full development and commercialization rights to 2seventy bio’s preclinical and clinical stage pipeline; this also includes the financing of any current program, staffing, and setup costs tied to these programs.

“Regeneron and 2seventy share a relentless commitment to push the boundaries of science in pursuit of therapies that can improve people’s lives. Our expertise in antibody technologies and emerging genetics capabilities, combined with 2seventy’s cell therapy platforms, presents a significant opportunity to address cancer and other serious diseases in new and impactful ways,” notes George D. Yancopoulos, MD, PhD, board co-chair, co-founder, president, and CSO of Regeneron. "By integrating 2seventy’s pipeline of cell therapies and their talented team, we are complementing our own expertise and portfolio of innovative immuno-oncology treatments, which will allow for potentially transformative combinations that can really make a difference in patients’ lives.”

The parties’ relationship dates back to 2018, when Regeneron and 2seventy bio (known as bluebird bio at that time) had originally reached a deal stating that Regeneron would have the right to opt-in to a co-development/co-commercialization arrangement for collaboration targets pertaining to discovering novel cell therapy approaches to tackling cancer.

Reference

Regeneron Announces Formation of Regeneron Cell Medicines With the Acquisition of 2seventy bio Platforms and Preclinical and Clinical Programs. Regeneron. January 30, 2024. Accessed February 1, 2024. https://investor.regeneron.com/news-releases/news-release-details/regeneron-announces-formation-regeneron-cell-medicines