Mankind Pharma Agrees to Take Control of Armed Cell

European Biotechnology reports that Mankind Pharma has agreed to acquire 70% of Belgian startup Armed Cell Therapeutics for €48 million. The reported ownership transaction accompanies Armed Cell’s acquisition of five preclinical CAR-T assets from Lakefront Biotherapeutics.

CAR-T assets move to Armed Cell

According to European Biotechnology, Lakefront Biotherapeutics sold five preclinical CAR-T assets to Armed Cell Therapeutics for €8 million upfront. European Biotechnology identifies Lakefront as formerly Galapagos and Armed Cell as a Belgian startup.

The report places Armed Cell as the buyer of the five CAR-T programs and Lakefront as the seller. The assets are described as preclinical, with the reported payment structured as €8 million upfront.

Mankind Pharma agreement accompanies asset deal

European Biotechnology states that India’s Mankind Pharma has agreed to acquire 70% of Armed Cell for €48 million. The publisher’s report links that agreement with Armed Cell’s purchase of the CAR-T assets from Lakefront.

For pharmaceutical and biotechnology sales professionals tracking company ownership and program transfers, the announcement identifies three organizations with distinct roles in the reported transactions. Lakefront is selling the CAR-T assets, Armed Cell is acquiring the assets, and Mankind Pharma has agreed to acquire 70% of Armed Cell.

Reported transaction snapshot

• Lakefront Biotherapeutics sold five preclinical CAR-T assets to Armed Cell Therapeutics.
• European Biotechnology reports €8 million upfront for the asset sale.
• Mankind Pharma has agreed to acquire 70% of Armed Cell.
• European Biotechnology reports €48 million for Mankind Pharma’s acquisition agreement.

European Biotechnology reported the linked developments involving Lakefront Biotherapeutics, Armed Cell Therapeutics and Mankind Pharma.