Written and Reviewed by Team Pharmacally
Roche, the Swiss global healthcare company, has successfully acquired Poseida Therapeutics, a U.S. biopharmaceutical firm focused on advanced immune cell therapies for blood cancers. The deal, valued at around $1.5 billion, was finalized on January 8, 2025.
Acquisition Details
As part of the agreement, Roche obtained nearly 65 million shares of Poseida, which is about 66% of the company’s stock, at a price of $9 per share. Shareholders are also eligible for contingent payments that could reach up to $4 per share based on achieving certain milestones. This brings the total acquisition value to roughly $1.5 billion. Following this transaction, Poseida will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Roche. All remaining shares of Poseida will also be converted to ensure they receive the same compensation per share as those taken in the offer.
Strategic Importance
This acquisition fits into Roche’s broader strategy to bolster its oncology pipeline and respond to dwindling sales in this area. Poseida’s proficiency in allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies—utilizing genetically modified immune cells to target cancer and treat autoimmune conditions—enhances Roche’s existing offerings. The company is also advancing CAR-T programs aimed at solid tumors and autoimmune diseases.
Roche’s CEO, Thomas Schinecker, has been strategically exploring new therapeutic domains to combat falling oncology revenues. Acquiring Poseida follows Roche’s recent $2.7 billion purchase of Carmot and highlights its determination to strengthen its foothold in the cell therapy market.
About Poseida Therapeutics
Poseida Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical organization based in San Diego, California. It specializes in developing distinct allogeneic cell therapies and genetic medicines with curative potential. The company’s pipeline includes investigational allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies targeting hematologic cancers and autoimmune diseases as well as solid tumors along with in vivo genetic medicines aimed at patient groups with significant unmet medical needs. Their approach utilizes proprietary genetic editing technologies like non-viral transposon-based DNA delivery systems and Cas-CLOVER™ Site-Specific Gene Editing System Booster Molecules.
About Roche
Established in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, Roche has evolved into the largest biotechnology firm globally and leads the field of in-vitro diagnostics worldwide. The company is committed to discovering and developing medications and diagnostics that enhance lives across the globe. A pioneer in personalized healthcare initiatives, Roche aims to revolutionize how healthcare is delivered for greater impact while focusing on sustainability with a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045.
References:
1. Roche to complete $1.5 billion acquisition of U.S. biopharma company Poseida, Reuters, 08 January 2025
2. Roche to acquire cell therapy maker Poseida Therapeutics in $1.5 bln deal, Reuters, 26 November 2024
3. Roche to Acquire Poseida Therapeutics in a Deal Worth Up to $1.5 Billion, The Wall Street Journal, 26 Nov 2024
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