AbbVie to Acquire Apogee Therapeutics, Expanding AD Pipeline With Zumilokibart

AbbVie has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Apogee Therapeutics in a transaction designed to expand its immunology portfolio, including the addition of late-stage assets targeting dermatologic, respiratory, and other inflammatory diseases.¹ The acquisition, announced this morning, will bring Apogee’s lead investigational therapy, zumilokibart (APG777), a half-life extended monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-13 (IL-13), into AbbVie’s pipeline for potential development in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie will acquire all outstanding shares of Apogee for $135.11 per share in cash, representing a total equity value of approximately $10.9 billion. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, pending customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and Apogee shareholder approval.

“The purchase of Apogee by AbbVie is going to send shock waves through the AD community,” Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, and editor in chief of Dermatology Times, said at this year’s Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. “This is an exciting development for AD patients, because it means a company that has experience bringing molecules to market with extended half-life is now going to be in charge of piloting zumilokibart through phase 3 studies.”

The acquisition complements AbbVie’s existing immunology portfolio and expands the company’s presence in inflammatory diseases. Apogee’s pipeline includes multiple clinical-stage candidates, with zumilokibart being developed initially for AD and APG273, a potential long-acting combination antibody targeting IL-13 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), being developed for asthma.

Zumilokibart Targets IL-13 in Atopic Dermatitis

Zumilokibart is a subcutaneous half-life extended monoclonal antibody designed to target IL-13, a cytokine involved in type 2 inflammation and a key driver of inflammatory diseases. In a phase 2 clinical trial, approximately two-thirds of patients treated with zumilokibart achieved significant skin clearance at 16 weeks, along with improvements in itch reduction and overall disease control.²

Longer-term data from the same trial supported maintenance regimens with dosing intervals of either quarterly or twice yearly, according to the company. Additionally, the safety profile of zumilokibart was favorable and consistent with other medicines in its class. The molecule also has the potential to be evaluated in additional inflammatory indications.

Apogee noted that a remaining challenge in AD management is that many patients do not achieve simultaneous improvements in itch and skin clearance. The company is developing zumilokibart with the goal of improving efficacy and treatment convenience through less frequent dosing.

Expanding Long-Acting Antibody Development

In addition to zumilokibart, Apogee has developed a broader pipeline of engineered antibodies targeting established inflammatory pathways. APG273 combines zumilokibart with APG333, an anti-TSLP antibody, for potential use in asthma.

TSLP is a signaling protein involved in initiating inflammatory responses in the lungs. According to Apogee, phase 1 data showed that APG333 has a long half-life and was able to suppress relevant type 2 inflammatory markers for up to six months after dosing. Positive interim results from a phase 1b study of zumilokibart in asthma, along with APG333 phase 1 data, support the potential for APG273 to be administered with quarterly or twice-yearly injections.

The acquisition will allow AbbVie to add these investigational programs to its immunology pipeline while leveraging its existing expertise in dermatology and other immune-mediated diseases. Michael Henderson, MD, chief executive officer of Apogee, said the transaction reflects the progress made in advancing zumilokibart and the company’s broader pipeline of therapies for inflammatory diseases.

"Since our founding, we've focused on developing transformative therapies for patients with inflammatory diseases while creating value for shareholders. This transaction delivers substantial shareholder value and positions our programs to reach their full potential,” Henderson said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful to the patients, physicians and investigators who helped make this milestone possible. We believe AbbVie can advance zumilokibart and our portfolio while expanding their impact for patients worldwide."¹

Potential Impact in Atopic Dermatitis

AbbVie stated that the acquisition is intended to strengthen its ability to develop innovative therapies for patients with complex inflammatory diseases.

“Apogee's pipeline adds highly differentiated clinical-stage assets, further expanding our robust immunology portfolio in areas of significant patient need, including atopic dermatitis and asthma. With our deep scientific expertise and proven capabilities, we are uniquely positioned to rapidly advance these programs and continue to transform the standard of care in inflammatory diseases,” Robert A. Michael, chairman and chief executive officer of AbbVie, said in the press release.¹

Apogee’s pipeline focuses on antibody engineering approaches designed to optimize half-life and other properties, with the goal of providing differentiated efficacy and dosing options across large inflammatory disease markets. Along with AD and asthma, the company is exploring potential applications in eosinophilic esophagitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other immune-mediated inflammatory conditions.

References

1. AbbVie to Acquire Apogee Therapeutics, Deepening Immunology Portfolio. News release. Abbvie. Published June 22, 2026. Accessed June 22, 2026. https://news.abbvie.com/2026-06-22-AbbVie-to-Acquire-Apogee-Therapeutics,-Deepening-Immunology-Portfolio

2. Apogee Therapeutics announces positive 16-week part B induction dose optimization results from phase 2 APEX trial of zumilokibart in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. News release. Apogee Therapeutics. Published May 27, 2026. Accessed June 22, 2026. https://investors.apogeetherapeutics.com/news-releases/news-release-details/apogee-therapeutics-announces-positive-16-week-part-b-induction