AstraZeneca has recently concluded a significant deal worth $1 billion to acquire EsoBiotec, a Belgian biotech company based in Mont-Saint-Guibert, that focuses on developing cancer immunotherapies. This acquisition is part of a series of strategic purchases by the company. The Belgian firm{USBC} develops cell therapy treatments that can empower the immune system to combat cancer, potentially making these therapies more accessible and cost-effective compared to the conventional method that often takes weeks.
The deal signifies another expansion move by AstraZeneca, Britain’s largest listed company with a value of £186 billion. The pharmaceutical giant is committed to growing its operations globally. AstraZeneca’s acquisition includes an initial payment of $425 million up to $575 million, subject to certain development and regulatory achievements.
AstraZeneca’s Susan Galbraith, the executive vice-president for oncology research and development, believes that the acquisition has the potential to transform cell therapy and improve access to these innovative treatments for many cancer patients worldwide.
In addition to the acquisition, AstraZeneca’s drug for a rare endocrine disease, hypoparathyroidism, met its goal of normalizing calcium levels in the blood within 24 weeks and was well-received by patients. The company also announced a licensing agreement with South Korea’s Alteogen to gain worldwide rights to develop and commercialize subcutaneous formulations of several oncology treatments.
Overall, AstraZeneca’s acquisition strategy and its recent drug approvals signify the company’s strength in the pharmaceutical industry and its commitment to advancing healthcare solutions.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/mar/17/astrazeneca-biotech-cancer-cell-therapy-esobiotec-imfinzi
