AbbVie to Acquire Apogee Therapeutics in $10.9 Billion Immunology Deal | iPharmaCenter
- Badari Andukuri
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
AbbVie has announced plans to acquire Apogee Therapeutics in a deal that would expand its position in immunology and inflammatory disease. The transaction would add a pipeline of clinical-stage programs focused on conditions such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, and other immune-mediated disorders.
Under the terms of the agreement, Apogee shareholders would receive $135.11 per share in cash, valuing the company at about $10.9 billion. The boards of both companies have approved the deal, which still needs shareholder and regulatory clearance before it can close, currently expected in the third quarter of 2026.
Apogee’s lead program, zumilokibart, is a long-acting monoclonal antibody designed to block IL-13, a pathway linked to type 2 inflammation. The candidate is being studied in atopic dermatitis, where the company is exploring whether less frequent dosing could offer a practical advantage alongside clinical benefit.
In mid-stage testing, the drug showed signs of activity in skin clearance, itch reduction, and disease control. Longer follow-up data also suggested the possibility of extended maintenance dosing schedules, including quarterly or twice-yearly administration.
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Another part of Apogee’s pipeline combines zumilokibart with APG333, an antibody that targets TSLP, a protein involved in early inflammatory signaling in the lungs. Early data for APG333 showed a long duration of action and suppression of inflammatory markers over several months, supporting further development of the combination in asthma.
The acquisition reflects AbbVie’s continued effort to broaden its immunology portfolio and strengthen its pipeline in respiratory and inflammatory disease areas. For the broader market, the deal adds another example of large pharmaceutical companies buying into late-stage specialty assets with the aim of building future treatment options.