AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) has completed its acquisition of Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: APGE), adding a late-stage atopic dermatitis (AD) antibody to its immunology pipeline. Apogee shareholders received $135.11 per share in cash, for a total equity value of approximately $10.9 billion.1
The deal brings zumilokibart, a half-life extended anti-interleukin-13 (IL-13) monoclonal antibody in development for AD, along with APG273, a combination asset targeting IL-13 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in development for asthma.1
The acquisition deepens AbbVie’s immunology portfolio across dermatologic, respiratory, and other inflammatory diseases, building on more than 20 years of company development work in gastroenterology, rheumatology, and dermatology. In AD, a majority of patients do not achieve simultaneous improvements in itch and skin symptoms, a treatment gap AbbVie cited as part of the opportunity for new therapies. The company pointed to zumilokibart’s early efficacy findings and potential for less frequent dosing as supporting its development in AD.1,2
Zumilokibart Phase 2 Results in Atopic Dermatitis
In a Phase 2 trial, approximately two-thirds of patients receiving zumilokibart achieved what AbbVie described as significant skin clearance at week 16. The company also reported improvements in itch reduction and overall disease control.1
AbbVie characterized the findings as supporting a potential best-in-category profile for zumilokibart, citing its efficacy findings and potential for convenient dosing. Longer-term data from the same trial support maintenance regimens administered either quarterly or twice yearly, according to the company.1
AbbVie also reported that zumilokibart demonstrated a favorable safety profile consistent with other therapies in its class. The company noted that the molecule may also be evaluated in additional inflammatory indications beyond AD.1
Frequently Asked Questions
What is zumilokibart and what is it being developed to treat?
Zumilokibart is a half-life extended monoclonal antibody targeting IL-13. It is in development for AD and is now part of AbbVie’s immunology pipeline following the company’s acquisition of Apogee Therapeutics.
What did AbbVie’s acquisition of Apogee Therapeutics include?
AbbVie acquired all outstanding Apogee common stock for $135.11 per share in cash, for a total equity value of approximately $10.9 billion. The acquisition adds zumilokibart, APG273, and Apogee’s broader inflammatory disease pipeline to AbbVie.
APG273 combines zumilokibart with APG333, an antibody targeting TSLP, as a combination therapy in development for asthma. Early data from its individual components support the potential development of the combination with quarterly or twice-yearly injections.
APG273 Pipeline Data and Deal Financial Impact
Beyond zumilokibart, Apogee’s pipeline includes APG273, which combines zumilokibart with APG333, an antibody targeting TSLP. The combination is being developed for asthma.1
Phase 1 data showed that APG333 has a long half-life and suppressed relevant type 2 inflammatory markers for up to 6 months after dosing. According to AbbVie, these findings, together with positive interim results from a Phase 1b study of zumilokibart in asthma, support the potential development of APG273 with quarterly or twice-yearly injections.1
On the financial side, AbbVie expects the Apogee acquisition to reduce adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) by $0.14 in 2026 and by approximately $0.46 in 2027, with accretion beginning in 2032.1
The company reaffirmed its 2026 full-year adjusted diluted EPS guidance range of $13.87 to $14.07, which includes the $0.14 per-share dilutive impact of the acquisition. AbbVie also reaffirmed its third-quarter adjusted diluted EPS guidance range of $3.84 to $3.88. The guidance excludes the impact of acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D) and milestone expenses that may be incurred beyond the second quarter for the full-year outlook or during the third quarter for the quarterly outlook, respectively, because those expenses cannot be reliably forecast.1
Robert A. Michael, chairman and chief executive officer of AbbVie, said the transaction advances the company’s long-term immunology strategy.
“The completion of the Apogee acquisition is an important step in further strengthening AbbVie’s leadership in immunology and advancing our long-term growth strategy,” Michael said. “By combining Apogee’s innovative science with AbbVie’s proven development, regulatory and commercial capabilities, we aim to accelerate these programs and bring promising new treatment options to patients living with serious inflammatory and immunological diseases.”1
With the acquisition complete, AbbVie adds both zumilokibart and APG273 to a broader immunology pipeline spanning dermatologic, respiratory, and other inflammatory diseases. The company said it plans to leverage its development, regulatory, and commercial capabilities to advance the acquired programs.1
References
- AbbVie Completes Acquisition of Apogee Therapeutics. AbbVie News Center. Published September 3, 2026. Accessed September 3, 2026. https://news.abbvie.com/2026-09-03-AbbVie-Completes-Acquisition-of-Apogee-Therapeutics/
- AbbVie in Immunology. AbbVie. Accessed September 3, 2026. https://www.abbvie.com/immunology
