Weeks After $74 Billion Acquisition, Celgene Strikes Two Cancer Deals

Ahead of being absorbed by Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene forged a strategic collaboration with two companies to develop immuno-oncology treatments and cell therapies. First, Celgene struck a deal with Boston-based Kyn Therapeutics to develop novel immuno-oncology therapies. Celgene provided $80 million in an upfront payment, as well as an equity investment to exclusively license Kyn’s Kynase (kynurenine-degrading enzyme) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) antagonist programs. The companies will harness Celgene’s expertise in oncology and its pipeline of products and combine it with Kyn’s own pipeline of products to focus on areas of high unmet need.
Under terms of the agreement, Kyn will be responsible for R&D activities through Phase Ib, at which time Celgene can opt-in to lead and fund global development and commercialization of the licensed programs.
AHR and kynurenine are associated with immunosuppression in a range of tumor types through multiple cellular metabolic mechanisms that modulate both innate and adaptive immunity. These attributes make them compelling targets for investigative therapies, in particular in patients who do not fully benefit from current treatments like checkpoint inhibitors, Kyn said in its announcement. If the collaboration is successful, Kyn is eligible for substantial clinical, regulatory and commercial milestone payments.