AstraZeneca to Buy Lentivirus-Focused Biotech

AstraZeneca signed a deal worth up to $1 billion to acquire Belgium-based biotech EsoBiotec and its Engineered NanoBody Lentiviral platform, which uses lentiviruses to deliver genetic instructions to specific immune cells, such as T cells. The approach, according to the company, enables cell therapies to be administered through a simple injection, rather removing cells from the body, genetically modifying them, and readministering them to the patient, the steps followed with other cell therapies. AstraZeneca will pay $425 million upfront and up to $575 million if certain development and regulatory milestones are met.