Behind the Headlines, Episode 20: CAR-T Milestones, Abbvie and Eli Lilly M&A Moves, and More

Behind the Headlines is a bi-weekly panel discussion examining the latest trends, readouts, and other factors that drive pharmaceutical news and innovation. Each episode features consultants, venture capitalists, scientists, patient advocates, and journalists discussing the prior weeks’ top news while seeking to highlight the more enduring lessons that hide behind the headlines. 

In episode 20, the panel explores a new wave of developments in CAR-T innovation, biopharma dealmaking, and the evolving role of information in translational medicine. Sascha Berger, private biopharmaceutical investor; Shannon Eaker, CTO of Xcellbio; Edwin Stone, CEO of Cellular Origins; and Bryce Sady, VP of Product Development at PSL Group, unpack key headlines and examine the long-term implications shaping scientific progress and patient access.

CAR-T’s Next Chapter: From Solid Tumors to Regulatory Streamlining

The panel begins by examining the growing promise of CAR-T in solid tumors—a space long considered too complex or hostile for cell therapies. Recent data and development activity are challenging that view: Gilead Sciences reports 62% tumor shrinkage in glioblastoma (1); Affini-T Therapeutics is targeting KRAS mutations (2); and Immatics is advancing its pipeline into PRAME-positive tumors (3).

In parallel, the FDA announced it has removed Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) requirements for autologous CAR-T cell therapies. This decision, widely welcomed by the ATMP field, is expected to reduce the reporting burden on healthcare providers, broaden access, and help drive down overall treatment costs (4).

Strategic Acquisitions: AbbVie and Eli Lilly Bet Big

The panelists also explore the rationale behind two major acquisitions. AbbVie announced a $2.1 billion deal to acquire Capstan Therapeutics, strengthening its cell therapy and immunology portfolio (5). Meanwhile, Eli Lilly acquired Verve Therapeutics, whose VERVE-102 program is being positioned as a potential first-in-class in vivo gene editing therapy for cardiovascular disease. According to Lilly’s leadership, the treatment could help shift care from a chronic model to a one-time intervention (6).

Shifting the Research Landscape

The discussion closed with reflections on two systemic shifts: the ongoing talent exodus from the United States—driven in part by cuts to basic research funding—and the transformation of how research findings are shared and applied. Panelists discussed how modern publishing models, data capture technologies, and changes in information flow influence the pace and impact of translational medicine.

Watch the full episode above for more insights into the evolving biopharma landscape and catch up on previous episodes of Behind the Headlines here.

References

1. Bagley, S.J., Desai, A.S., Fraietta, J.A. et al. Intracerebroventricular bivalent CAR T cells targeting EGFR and IL-13Rα2 in recurrent glioblastoma: a phase 1 trial. Nat Med. Published online June 1, 2025. DOI:10.1038/s41591-025-03745-0

2. Affini-T Therapeutics presents preclinical data from its programs targeting oncogenic drivers KRAS and TP53 at AACR. Press release. Affini-T Therapeutics. April 24, 2025. https://affinittx.com/press-releases/affini-t-therapeutics-presents-preclinical-data-from-its-programs-targeting-oncogenic-drivers-kras-and-tp53-at-aacr/

3. Immatics IMA203 PRAME cell therapy data presented at 2025 ASCO annual meeting continues to show strong anti-tumor activity and durability in patients with metastatic melanoma. Press release. Immatics. May 31, 2025. https://investors.immatics.com/news-releases/news-release-details/immatics-ima203-prame-cell-therapy-data-presented-2025-asco

4. FDA Eliminates Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) for Autologous Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell Immunotherapies. FDA Safety Communication; June 26, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/fda-eliminates-risk-evaluation-and-mitigation-strategies-rems-autologous-chimeric-antigen-receptor

5. AbbVie to Acquire Capstan Therapeutics, Further Strengthening Commitment to Transforming Patient Care in Immunology. Press release. AbbVie. June 30, 2025; https://news.abbvie.com/2025-06-30-AbbVie-to-Acquire-Capstan-Therapeutics,-Further-Strengthening-Commitment-to-Transforming-Patient-Care-in-Immunology

6. Lilly to Acquire Verve Therapeutics to Advance One-Time Treatments for People With High Cardiovascular Risk. Press release. Eli Lilly & Company. June 17, 2025; https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-acquire-verve-therapeutics-advance-one-time-treatments