AstraZeneca announced its acquisition of biotech company EsoBiotec for a potential $1 billion deal, as reported by Reuters. AstraZeneca stated that EsoBiotec's ENaBL platform allows for genetic modification of immune cells within the body, enabling rapid cell therapy treatments in minutes rather than weeks. The acquisition involves purchasing all of EsoBiotec's outstanding equity, with an initial payment of $425 million and additional contingent payments of up to $575 million based on milestones. The transaction is anticipated to be finalized in the second quarter of 2025 and is not expected to affect AstraZeneca's financial projections for the year.