AbbVie Acquires Celsius Therapeutics to Advance IBD Treatment

AbbVie announced the acquisition of Celsius Therapeutics, a biotechnology company specializing in therapies for inflammatory diseases. The acquisition aligns with AbbVie's mission to develop innovative medicines and solutions addressing serious health issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Celsius Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel medicines for inflammatory diseases. The company’s lead therapeutic candidate, CEL383, aims to provide new treatment options for patients with IBD. This acquisition includes CEL383, which has completed a Phase 1 clinical study for treating IBD, as reported by AbbVie.

"We are eager to advance the development of CEL383 with the goal of helping more patients with IBD achieve remission," says Kori Wallace, Vice President and Global Head of Immunology Clinical Development, AbbVie.

CEL383 targets TREM1, a gene identified as a significant driver of inflammation in IBD. TREM1 is expressed on inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils and is known to amplify inflammation by acting upstream of multiple inflammatory pathways. Preclinical assays have shown CEL383 can inhibit TREM1 signaling and reduce the levels of several inflammatory mediators.

"AbbVie shares our excitement about the potential of TREM1 inhibition for patients with inflammatory disease," says Tariq Kassum, CEO, Celsius Therapeutics. "We look forward to the further development of this promising program, which we hope will offer a new approach to the treatment of IBD."

The acquisition agreement stipulates that AbbVie has purchased all outstanding equity of Celsius for US$250 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. AbbVie's legal advisor for the transaction was Covington & Burling LLP, while Celsius was advised by Centerview Partners LLC and Goodwin Procter LLP.