The collaboration will leverage Kelonia's iGPS technology alongside Xyphos' ACCEL platform to develop in vivo CAR-T Cell therapies.
Astellas Pharma, headquartered in Japan, and the US-based biotech startup Kelonia Therapeutics have joined forces in a significant oncology collaboration. The partnership, involving Astellas' subsidiary Xyphos Biosciences, Inc., and Kelonia, aims to pioneer innovative immuno-oncology therapies.
Kelonia specializes in genetic medicines, utilizing its cutting-edge in vivo gene placement system known as iGPS. This system effectively delivers genetic cargo to target cells within patients' bodies. Meanwhile, Xyphos brings its proprietary ACCEL technology to the table, featuring the convertibleCAR platform on immune cells. The collaboration between the two companies will leverage Kelonia's iGPS technology alongside Xyphos' ACCEL platform to develop groundbreaking in vivo CAR-T Cell therapies, focusing on up to two programs.
Xyphos will spearhead the development and commercialization endeavors for the resulting products. As part of the agreement, Kelonia will receive an upfront payment of $40 million for the initial program, with an additional $35 million contingent upon Xyphos' exercise of its option for the second program. Furthermore, the collaboration entails potential milestones and contingency payments amounting to approximately $800 million. Kelonia will also benefit from R&D funding for its contributions to the collaboration and will be eligible for tiered royalties on net sales.
