AbbVie acquires Celsius Therapeutics to enhance inflammatory disease treatment options

In a significant move within the biotechnology industry, AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV), a global biopharmaceutical company, has completed the acquisition of Celsius Therapeutics, Inc., a pioneer in the development of therapies for inflammatory diseases. This acquisition, valued at $250 million in cash, underscores AbbVie’s strategic commitment to expanding its immunology portfolio by incorporating Celsius’ promising anti-TREM1 antibody, CEL383, which has recently concluded a Phase 1 clinical study.

Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 1 (TREM1) plays a critical role in inflammatory responses, particularly in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where it is known to amplify inflammation. Celsius has focused on TREM1 as a key therapeutic target, developing CEL383 as a potential first-in-class therapy that could transform the treatment landscape for patients with IBD.

CEL383 has shown promise in early trials by effectively inhibiting TREM1 signaling and reducing inflammatory mediators in preclinical assays. The completed Phase 1 study in healthy volunteers assessed the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the drug, setting the stage for further clinical development aimed at treating IBD more effectively.

Kori Wallace, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President and Global Head of Immunology Clinical Development at AbbVie, expressed optimism about the acquisition, noting, “Given the potential relevance of TREM1 as a key driver of inflammation and pathology in IBD and other conditions, we are eager to advance the development of CEL383 with a goal of helping more patients achieve remission.”

Echoing this sentiment, Tariq Kassum, M.D., CEO of Celsius, highlighted the dedication of the Celsius team and the collaborative potential with AbbVie, stating, “AbbVie shares our excitement about the potential of TREM1 inhibition for patients with inflammatory disease.”

In the acquisition process, AbbVie was advised by Covington & Burling LLP, while Celsius received financial advice from Centerview Partners LLC and legal counsel from Goodwin Procter LLP.

The acquisition of Celsius by AbbVie could be a game-changer in the field of immunology, particularly for IBD treatments. By focusing on TREM1, a novel target, AbbVie may significantly advance the efficacy and specificity of treatment options, potentially leading to better patient outcomes in the realm of inflammatory diseases.