The move brings a deep pipeline of inflammation and immune-disease therapies into AbbVie’s portfolio, spanning dermatology, respiratory disease, and other high-need conditions such as atopic dermatitis and asthma.

 

Under the agreement, Apogee shareholders will receive $135.11 per share in cash, and the transaction has been unanimously approved by both companies’ boards. Closing is expected in the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals.

 

“For more than two decades, AbbVie has led and shaped the field of immunology bringing the science, scale and expertise needed to address some of the most complex diseases,” said Robert A. Michael, chairman and chief executive officer, AbbVie. 

 

“The acquisition of Apogee further builds on our existing leadership, strengthening our ability to deliver innovative medicines to patients who need better options while also creating significant long-term value for shareholders. Apogee's pipeline adds highly differentiated clinical-stage assets, further expanding our robust immunology portfolio in areas of significant patient need, including atopic dermatitis and asthma. 

 

"With our deep scientific expertise and proven capabilities, we are uniquely positioned to rapidly advance these programs and continue to transform the standard of care in inflammatory diseases.”

 

At the center of the deal is Apogee’s lead drug candidate, zumilokibart (APG777), a late-stage, half-life–extended monoclonal antibody targeting IL-13, currently in development for atopic dermatitis. 

 

The program has shown promising Phase 2 results, with approximately two-thirds of patients achieving significant skin clearance at 16 weeks, along with strong improvements in itch and overall disease control.

 

“This transaction reflects the strength of Apogee's vision, our team's dedication and the significant progress we've made advancing zumilokibart and our differentiated pipeline,” said Michael Henderson, chief executive officer, Apogee. 

 

“Since our founding, we've focused on developing transformative therapies for patients with inflammatory diseases while creating value for shareholders. This transaction delivers substantial shareholder value and positions our programs to reach their full potential. We are deeply grateful to the patients, physicians and investigators who helped make this milestone possible. We believe AbbVie can advance zumilokibart and our portfolio while expanding their impact for patients worldwide.”

 

The acquisition also includes APG273, a combination therapy pairing zumilokibart with APG333, an anti-TSLP antibody being developed for asthma. Early data suggests extended biological activity and the potential for infrequent dosing schedules.

 

“Zumilokibart targets IL-13, a critical cytokine in type 2 inflammation, and a central driver of inflammatory diseases like AD and asthma. Specifically in AD, a large majority of patients do not achieve simultaneous itch and skin improvement which represents an opportunity for the development of novel treatments that not only provide better skin clearance and itch resolution but also improve convenience with less frequent dosing.”

 

AbbVie says the deal is expected to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share beginning in 2032, and it has scheduled an investor call to further discuss the acquisition.