Novo Nordisk acquires 2seventy’s gene editing tech and hemophilia candidate for $40M

2seventy bio, a biotech company, has recently sold a portion of its cell therapy portfolio and a prominent gene editing tool. This strategic move aims to allow the company to focus solely on the commercialization of Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel), a BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell therapy developed in collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb. The latest transaction involves Novo Nordisk agreeing to pay up to $40 million for 2seventy's hemophilia A program and obtaining rights to the company’s megaTAL gene editing technology. This technology applies outside oncology and gene editing for both autologous and allogeneic cell therapies aimed at treating autoimmune diseases.

This is the second significant divestment for 2seventy bio this year as it commits to enhancing its focus on Abecma. Earlier in January, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals acquired the company's preclinical and clinical-stage cell therapy pipeline for cancer and autoimmune diseases for a modest $5 million upfront. This strategic adjustment comes after a prolonged effort by 2seventy bio, which spun off from bluebird bio in 2021, to establish itself as an independent entity specializing in immuno-oncology cell therapies. The company had previously announced a 40% reduction in its workforce in September, attributing the decision to the challenging macro environment for oncology cell therapy businesses and short-term operational challenges.

The recent deal with Novo Nordisk builds on a previous partnership established in 2019 between the Danish pharmaceutical giant and bluebird bio. This earlier collaboration aimed to develop in vivo genome editing treatments for hemophilia and other genetic disorders. Initially intended to last three years, the partnership’s primary objective was to create a treatment for hemophilia A that could correct the deficiency of the FVIII-clotting factor.

As part of the current agreement, Novo Nordisk will not only acquire the hemophilia A program but also gain all 2seventy bio employees who have been working on this specific project. This transfer of personnel is expected to facilitate a smooth transition and ongoing development of the hemophilia asset under Novo Nordisk's stewardship.

Overall, the transactions reflect 2seventy bio's strategic reorientation towards prioritizing the commercialization of Abecma, while also ensuring that its other valuable assets and technologies continue to be developed by industry leaders like Novo Nordisk and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.