By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : October 12, 2025 10:01 am
Acquisition includes OTX-201, an investigational next-generation CAR T-cell therapy designed to reprogram cells in vivo with potential best-in-class profile for autoimmune diseases
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has acquired the privately held biotech company Orbital Therapeutics for $1.5 billion in cash. The deal, announced on October 10, 2025, strengthens BMS's cell therapy portfolio and grants it access to Orbital's proprietary RNA-based platform.
The purchase adds to BMS's existing cell therapy programs, which include the approved CAR T-cell therapies Abecma and Breyanzi. By acquiring Orbital, BMS aims to advance its next-generation RNA immunotherapies and explore multiple different platform approaches for immune-related disorders.
“In vivo CAR T represents a novel treatment approach that could redefine how we treat autoimmune diseases,” said Robert Plenge, MD, PhD, executive vice president, Chief Research Officer, BMS. “This acquisition enhances our robust cell therapy research platform and provides an opportunity to advance a potential best-in-class therapy designed to deplete autoreactive B cells and reset the immune system. We are excited by the promise this holds for patients with autoimmune diseases who are waiting for better options.”
Orbital's lead candidate, OTX-201, is a preclinical, in vivo CAR T-cell therapy. Unlike traditional CAR T therapies that require modifying a patient's cells in a lab, this approach genetically engineers immune cells directly inside the body. This could make the treatment more accessible and less burdensome for patients.
OTX-201 is designed to treat B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases by depleting autoreactive B cells and "resetting" the immune system. This expands BMS's therapeutic focus beyond its current approved CAR T-cell therapies for blood cancers.
“This agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb, a recognized leader in global medicine, marks a transformational moment for Orbital and the advancement of RNA medicine,” said Ron Philip, Chief Executive Officer, Orbital Therapeutics.
“Since inception, Orbital has made significant strides developing a differentiated RNA platform designed to enable a new generation of RNA medicines that reach more tissues, address more diseases, and benefit more patients. The promising early data from our lead program, OTX-201, underscore the strength of this approach and the potential of our integrated RNA technologies. Together, we aim to deliver RNA medicines that provide patients with treatments that are simpler, safer, and more accessible compared to today’s complex therapies.”
The acquisition includes Orbital's integrated RNA platform, which combines circular and linear RNA engineering, advanced lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery, and AI-driven design. This technology can be used to create programmable RNA therapies for a wide range of diseases.