Bristol Myers Squibb Expands Cell Therapy Portfolio with $1.5B Orbital Therapeutics Acquisition

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has announced its acquisition of Orbital Therapeutics for $1.5 billion, marking a significant expansion into the rapidly evolving field of "in vivo" cell therapies. This strategic move positions BMS at the forefront of innovative treatments for inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases.

In Vivo Cell Therapy: A New Frontier in Autoimmune Disease Treatment

The acquisition of Orbital Therapeutics provides BMS with a novel technology designed to genetically modify immune cells inside the body. This approach, known as "in vivo" cell therapy, represents a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Orbital's lead program, OTX-201, utilizes "circular" RNA instructions to train immune cells to target specific protein flags. This technology could offer a more convenient and potentially safer alternative to traditional "ex vivo" cell therapies, which require the extraction and modification of patient cells in a laboratory setting.

Robert Plenge, Bristol Myers' chief research officer, emphasized the potential impact of this acquisition, stating, "In vivo CAR-T represents a novel treatment approach that could redefine how we treat autoimmune diseases."

Industry-Wide Shift Towards In Vivo Cell Therapies

BMS's acquisition of Orbital Therapeutics is part of a broader industry trend, with several major pharmaceutical companies making similar moves in 2025. Gilead Sciences, AbbVie, and AstraZeneca have all acquired companies working on in vivo cell therapies this year, highlighting the growing interest in this innovative approach.

The focus on in vivo cell therapies for autoimmune conditions is driven by the potential to overcome some of the safety hazards associated with more complex ex vivo procedures, such as the need for chemotherapy conditioning regimens. This advantage may be particularly beneficial in treating autoimmune diseases, which are typically less immediately life-threatening than cancer.

Orbital Therapeutics: A Rising Star in Cell Therapy Innovation

Founded in 2022 by John Maraganore, former CEO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Orbital Therapeutics has quickly established itself as a leader in RNA delivery technologies. The company raised an impressive $270 million in its initial funding round and has developed a portfolio of innovative approaches to cell therapy.

Orbital's lead program, OTX-201, targets CD19, a protein also targeted by several approved cancer therapies, including BMS's own Breyanzi. Preclinical studies have shown promising results, with OTX-201 demonstrating the ability to achieve full B cell depletion in blood, spleen, and lymph nodes – a crucial step in resetting the immune system in autoimmune diseases.

Human clinical trials for OTX-201 are expected to begin in 2026, potentially marking a significant milestone in the development of in vivo cell therapies for autoimmune conditions.