AstraZeneca's $1 Billion Acquisition of EsoBiotec: A Game Changer in Cancer Therapy

Key Information from the Financial Report (Form 6-K)

Company Involved:

• AstraZeneca PLC
• Headquarters: 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom

Event:

• Acquisition of EsoBiotec Completed
• Date of Announcement: 20 May 2025

Overview of EsoBiotec:

• EsoBiotec is a biotechnology company specializing in in vivo cell therapies that have shown promising early clinical results.
• The company has developed the Engineered NanoBody Lentiviral (ENaBL) platform, which allows for rapid immune system activation against cancer cells.

Acquisition Details:

• Total Consideration: Up to $1 billion, consisting of:
• An initial payment of $425 million.
• Up to $575 million in contingent payments based on future development and regulatory milestones.
• Impact on Financials: This acquisition does not alter AstraZeneca's financial guidance for the year 2025.
• Corporate Structure: Following the acquisition, EsoBiotec has become a wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca and will operate in Belgium.

Strategic Importance:

• The ENaBL technology enables rapid treatment administration via IV injection without the need for immune cell depletion, enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of cell therapies.
• AstraZeneca aims to advance its capabilities in cell therapies and oncology, focusing on providing transformative solutions for cancer treatment and addressing immune-mediated diseases.

Corporate Vision:

• AstraZeneca is committed to revolutionizing cancer care and aims to redefine treatment paradigms in oncology and other therapeutic areas, including respiratory and immunology.

This strategic acquisition aligns with AstraZeneca's goal of expanding its portfolio in cell therapy and oncology, reflecting its commitment to innovation and addressing unmet medical needs.