AbbVie has completed its $10.9 billion acquisition of Apogee Therapeutics, bringing the clinical-stage biotechnology company and its pipeline of next-generation immunology treatments under the pharmaceutical giant’s umbrella.

 

The deal, announced by AbbVie, values Apogee at approximately $10.9 billion in total equity. Under the terms of the agreement, Apogee shareholders received $135.11 in cash for each share. Apogee is now part of AbbVie.

 

"The completion of the Apogee acquisition is an important step in further strengthening AbbVie's leadership in immunology and advancing our long-term growth strategy," said Robert A. Michael, chairman and chief executive officer, AbbVie. 

 

"By combining Apogee's innovative science with AbbVie's proven development, regulatory and commercial capabilities, we aim to accelerate these programs and bring promising new treatment options to patients living with serious inflammatory and immunological diseases. We are excited to welcome the talented Apogee team to AbbVie and build on their important work."

 

The acquisition gives AbbVie access to Apogee’s portfolio of novel antibodies aimed at validated inflammatory pathways across major markets, including atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

 

At the center of the acquired pipeline is zumilokibart, an antibody targeting IL-13, a key cytokine driving type 2 inflammation and diseases such as atopic dermatitis and asthma.

 

The drug could address a significant unmet need in AD, where many patients fail to achieve both meaningful skin improvement and itch relief at the same time. Apogee’s Phase 2 trial showed approximately two-thirds of treated patients achieved significant skin clearance after 16 weeks, alongside notable improvements in itch and overall disease control.

 

Longer-term results from the trial also point to the potential for less frequent maintenance dosing, including quarterly or twice-yearly administration. The treatment’s safety profile was favorable and consistent with other medicines in its class, according to AbbVie.

 

The company said zumilokibart could ultimately be evaluated across additional inflammatory diseases, potentially broadening the commercial opportunity for the therapy.

 

AbbVie also gains Apogee’s broader antibody pipeline, including APG273, a combination of zumilokibart and APG333.

 

APG333 targets thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a signaling protein involved in initiating inflammation in the lungs. Phase 1 data showed APG333 had a long half-life and could suppress relevant type 2 inflammatory markers for up to six months following dosing.

 

Combined with positive interim Phase 1b results for zumilokibart in asthma, the findings support the potential of APG273 as a quarterly or twice-yearly injectable treatment for asthma.

 

With the acquisition now closed, AbbVie is positioned to advance Apogee’s pipeline using its development, regulatory and commercial infrastructure, while expanding its already significant presence in immunology.