Adaptimmune Therapeutics has entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of Tecelra, lete-cel, afami-cel, and uza-cel cell therapies to US WorldMeds.  

The purchase price is $55 million in cash to be paid upon consummation of the sale, with up to $30 million in potential future payments upon achievement of certain milestones. 

Adrian Rawcliffe, Adaptimmune’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Adaptimmune has been at the forefront of solid tumour cell therapy and delivering groundbreaking treatments to patients for more than a decade. We were the first company to obtain a marketing authorisation for an engineered TCR T-cell therapy, Tecelra, and we have a second cell therapy, lete-cel, with approval anticipated in 2026.  

“However, given the financial situation of the company, it is clear that securing the right strategic option was critical to maximise value for all of our stakeholders and importantly ensure our patients continue to receive Tecelra. After an extensive review of all strategic alternatives available to Adaptimmune we are convinced that this transaction represents the best path forward for Adaptimmune, our patients and stakeholders.” 

The company has announced that US employees involved in the development and commercialisation of these products will be offered employment with US WorldMeds.  

Following the transaction, Adaptimmune intends to restructure to support the continued development by US WorldMeds of lete-cel, Tecelra and uza-cel and to maximise value from its remaining assets including its PRAME and CD70 directed T-cell therapies. 

Breck Jones, US WorldMeds Chief Executive Officer, added: “US WorldMeds deeply respects the strong foundation Adaptimmune has built in the cell therapy space and is committed to carrying that work forward – advancing and delivering these important therapies to the people and families who are counting on them.”

Diana Turner, Senior Digital Content Editor, DDW