Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) will acquire US compatriot Orbital Therapeutics for USD 1.5 billion cash, gaining next-generation in vivo CAR-T candidate OTX-201 using circular RNA-encoded CD19-targeting CAR delivered through lipid nanoparticles for autoimmune diseases. The preclinical asset represents a novel approach, reprogramming endogenous T-cells directly within patients avoiding ex vivo manufacturing complexities. Orbital's RNA platform integrates circular and linear RNA engineering with artificial intelligence-driven design for programmable therapeutics across disease areas.

In vivo CAR-T approaches address scalability and accessibility limitations of current cell therapies through simplified administration and reduced production costs, enabling broader autoimmune and oncology applications. Chinese companies including Genocury, IASO Bio and Simnova Bio are developing similar technologies indicating potential for cross-border partnership opportunities.

According to PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database, is part of a strong start in M&A activity in the in vivo CAR-T space, with four deals reported already in 2025. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.