AstraZeneca Acquires Complete Global Rights to AbelZeta’s C-CAR031 CAR-T Therapy for Up to $630 Million

AstraZeneca agreed to acquire AbelZeta's remaining 50% share of China development and commercialization rights to C-CAR031, a GPC3-targeted armored CAR-T therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), securing full global rights.123

The deal is worth up to $630 million to AbelZeta, including an upfront payment plus development, regulatory, and sales milestone payments for the China program.125

AstraZeneca previously held ex-China rights under a 2023 agreement, with AbelZeta eligible for additional milestones and royalties outside China.127

The transaction was announced on January 18, 2026, reflecting confidence in C-CAR031's potential in solid tumors.124

C-CAR031 uses AstraZeneca’s TGFβRII armoring platform to enhance efficacy in the tumor microenvironment.23

Sources:

1. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abelzeta-announces-remaining-china-rights-to-gpc3-armored-car-t-therapy-to-be-acquired-by-astrazeneca-302664054.html

2. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/astrazeneca-pens-630m-pact-secure-remaining-rights-armored-car-t

3. https://www.biospace.com/deals/astrazeneca-pays-630m-for-complete-global-rights-over-abelzetas-car-t

4. https://news.biobuzz.io/2026/01/19/astrazeneca-moves-to-fully-own-armored-car-t-program-targeting-liver-cancer-with-630m-abelzeta-deal/

5. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/astrazeneca-acquire-abelzetas-cart-therapy/

7. https://www.abelzeta.com/abelzeta-announces-remaining-china-rights-to-gpc3-armored-car-t-therapy-to-be-acquired-by-astrazeneca/