Adicet Bio Restructures Pipeline, Shifts Focus to Autoimmune Diseases

Adicet Bio, a prominent cell therapy biotech company, has announced a significant restructuring of its pipeline and workforce, marking a strategic shift towards autoimmune diseases. The company is discontinuing its clinical-stage allogeneic cell therapy program and reducing its staff by 30% as it refocuses its efforts on developing treatments for conditions such as lupus nephritis and systemic sclerosis.

Pipeline Restructuring and Asset Discontinuation

Adicet Bio has made the decision to discontinue ADI-270, an allogeneic gamma delta T-cell therapy that was being studied in a phase 1 trial for patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The trial, which began enrollment in November 2024, will be closed to further recruitment. Despite promising early results, including a 100% disease control rate and a 20% best overall response rate in five patients who received the planned target dose, the company has chosen to redirect its resources elsewhere.

Focus on Autoimmune Diseases

The biotech is now prioritizing AD1-001, an allogeneic gamma delta CAR-T therapy currently in phase 1 studies for multiple autoimmune conditions. This asset received fast-track designation from the FDA in June 2024 for certain lupus nephritis patients, underscoring its potential in this therapeutic area. Adicet Bio's pivot to autoimmune diseases represents a significant shift in its research and development strategy.

Workforce Reduction and Financial Implications

As part of its restructuring efforts, Adicet Bio is implementing a 30% reduction in its workforce. The layoffs are expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter, according to a recent SEC filing. While the exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed, the company reported 152 full-time employees at the end of 2024. This workforce reduction, combined with the pipeline prioritization, is projected to extend Adicet Bio's cash runway into the fourth quarter of next year, providing the company with additional financial flexibility as it pursues its new strategic direction.