Lilly reports that they have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Kelonia Therapeutics to advance the development of in vivo CAR-T cell therapies, expanding its capabilities in genetic medicine and oncology.
The acquisition centers on Kelonia’s proprietary in vivo gene delivery platform, known as iGPS®, which enables genetic modification of T cells directly inside the patient’s body. This approach represents a significant shift from traditional CAR-T therapies, which require extracting and modifying cells outside the body before reinfusion. By eliminating these complex steps, Kelonia’s technology has the potential to simplify treatment, reduce costs, and expand patient access.
A key focus of the deal is Kelonia’s lead program, KLN-1010, an investigational one-time intravenous gene therapy currently in Phase 1 trials for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Early clinical data has shown promising tolerability and initial effectiveness, suggesting the therapy could represent a meaningful advancement in treating this type of cancer.
For Lilly, the acquisition strengthens its position in next-generation cancer treatments and broader genetic medicine. The company aims to leverage Kelonia’s platform not only for multiple myeloma but also across a wider range of cancers and serious diseases where in vivo cell therapies could offer improved outcomes.
The agreement includes up to $7 billion in total consideration, with an upfront payment of $3.25 billion and additional milestone-based payments tied to clinical, regulatory, and commercial progress. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
More broadly, the deal reflects a growing industry shift toward in vivo gene and cell therapies, which aim to overcome the manufacturing, safety, and accessibility challenges associated with earlier treatment approaches. By integrating Kelonia’s technology, Lilly is positioning itself at the forefront of this evolution, working toward more scalable and potentially transformative therapies.
Ultimately, this acquisition underscores a key trend in biotech: the move toward simpler, more efficient ways to deliver advanced therapies. If successful, in vivo CAR-T treatments could significantly expand access to life-saving cancer therapies and redefine how these treatments are developed and delivered.