Roche to Acquire Poseida Therapeutics, Expanding Cell Therapy Capabilities
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Roche has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Poseida Therapeutics.
Poseida is known for its innovative work in developing donor-derived CAR-T cell therapies, with a portfolio that includes both pre-clinical and clinical-stage off-the-shelf (allogeneic) CAR-T therapies.
These therapies are aimed at treating various conditions, including haematological malignancies, solid tumours, and autoimmune diseases. The acquisition also includes Poseida's manufacturing capabilities and technology platforms.
This acquisition builds on the existing collaboration between Roche and Poseida, which began in 2022. The partnership focuses on advancing allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies designed to address the needs of patients with haematological malignancies.
Poseida’s pipeline includes promising programmes, such as P-BCMA-ALLO1, an allogeneic CAR-T therapy targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). This therapy has received Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designation for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and FDA Orphan Drug Designation. Clinical data from this programme were presented at the International Myeloma Society’s annual meeting in September.
In addition, Poseida is advancing P-CD19CD20-ALLO1, a dual allogeneic CAR-T therapy targeting B-cell malignancies. This programme is in Phase 1 of clinical trials, and FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) applications have been submitted to explore its potential in treating multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Other significant assets include P-MUC1C-ALLO1, a CAR-T therapy for solid tumours, which is currently in Phase 1, and several genomic medicine pre-clinical candidates.
Upon completion of the acquisition, Roche will gain access to Poseida’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing facilities, as well as its R&D assets and expertise. Poseida’s employees will join Roche’s Pharmaceuticals Division.
This acquisition is seen as a strategic move by Roche to enhance its position in the field of cell therapy, particularly allogeneic CAR-T therapies, which have the potential to offer more accessible and scalable treatment options for patients.
Source: roche.com
