Celgene Adds New Fusion Protein to Portfolio with Delinia Acquisition

Celgene will further bolster its capabilities in immunology and autoimmune disorders with the acquisition of the biotechnology company Delinia, a move Celgene announced on Jan. 26, 2017. With the company comes the ownership of DEL106, a novel IL-2 mutein Fc fusion protein that is designed to upregulate regulatory T cells (Tregs).

Tregs maintain tolerance to self-antigens and are instrumental in the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Thus, Tregs are immunosuppressive and work to downregulate induction and proliferation of effector T cells. The cytokine IL-2 normally activates effector cells, but also drives expansion of Tregs to regulate the effector cells.

Celgene will pay Delinia an initial payment of $300 million, with additional payments of up to $475 million upon the development, regulatory, and commercial advances related to DEL106. DEL-106 is expected to start clinical trials in 2018.