Lyell Immunopharma Acquires ImmPACT Bio

Lyell Immunopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: LYEL), a company focused on clinical-stage T-cell reprogramming, announced the completion of its acquisition of ImmPACT Bio USA Inc., a privately-owned clinical-stage cell therapy company. This strategic acquisition is aimed at enhancing Lyell’s portfolio of CAR T-cell therapies, which are designed to create long-lasting, functional T cells that offer durable patient outcomes. With this acquisition, Lyell plans to expedite the development of IMPT-314, a dual-targeting CD19/CD20 CAR T-cell product candidate aimed at treating hematologic malignancies such as B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Significant to this acquisition is the appointment of Sumant Ramachandra, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, the former CEO of ImmPACT Bio, to Lyell’s Board of Directors. This integration of leadership is expected to bolster the combined expertise and capabilities of the two organizations.

Dr. Lynn Seely, President and CEO of Lyell, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, highlighting the potential to transform cancer treatment through advanced cell therapies that provide better outcomes for patients. Dr. Seely emphasized the focus on accelerating the development of IMPT-314 for aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with plans to present initial data from a Phase 1-2 trial involving patients treated in the third-line CAR-naïve setting at a major medical conference later in the year.

Rick Klausner, M.D., Chair of Lyell’s Board of Directors, welcomed Dr. Ramachandra to the board, acknowledging his extensive experience and dedication to developing innovative therapies. Dr. Ramachandra's background includes his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of ImmPACT Bio since November 2021, along with prior roles at Baxter International and Pfizer, where he held senior positions in research and development.

Dr. Ramachandra’s distinguished career includes his role as Chief Science, Technology, and Medical Officer at Baxter International, where he also served as President of Baxter Pharmaceuticals. Before his time at Baxter, he was Senior Vice President and Head of Research & Development at Pfizer Essential Health, and Chief Scientific Officer at Hospira before its acquisition by Pfizer in 2015. His medical and academic credentials include an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, a Ph.D. in experimental pathology focusing on chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and an M.D. from Rutgers University, along with an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Following the acquisition, Lyell projects that its cash reserves will support operations until 2027, reaching critical clinical milestones for each of its pipeline programs. This includes the initiation of a pivotal development trial for IMPT-314, planned to commence in 2025.

Lyell continues to advance its pipeline of next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for patients with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The company employs innovative technology to create T cells that resist exhaustion and maintain durable stemness, driving sustained tumor destruction and achieving consistent clinical responses. Lyell operates out of South San Francisco, California, with additional facilities in Seattle and Bothell, Washington.