AbelZeta Announces Remaining China Rights to GPC3 Armored CAR-T Therapy to be Acquired by AstraZeneca

Core Insights - AstraZeneca has agreed to acquire AbelZeta's 50% share of the China development and commercialization rights to C-CAR031, granting AstraZeneca sole rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize C-CAR031 globally, with potential payments to AbelZeta totaling up to $630 million [1][2] Group 1: Company Overview - AbelZeta Pharma, Inc. is a global clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative cell-based therapeutic products, with operations in Rockville, Maryland, and Shanghai, China [6] - The company is dedicated to creating bespoke treatments that utilize the body's immune system to combat hematological malignancies, inflammatory and immunological diseases, and solid tumors [6] Group 2: Product Information - C-CAR031 is an autologous CAR-T therapy targeting Glypican 3 (GPC3), currently under investigation for treating Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other solid tumors [4] - The therapy is designed using AstraZeneca's armoring platform, which enhances its efficacy against solid tumors with high unmet medical needs [3] Group 3: Market Context - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of all cases, with a poor prognosis for advanced-stage patients [5] - The incidence of HCC in China is projected to reach around 344,500 cases by 2024, indicating a growing market for effective treatments [5]