Novartis (NYSE: NVS) has finalized an agreement to acquire Netherlands-based Calypso Biotech, a 2013 spinout from Merck that specializes in targeting interleukin-15 (IL-15). Under the terms of the deal, Calypso will receive an upfront payment of USD 250 million, along with potential milestone payments totaling up to USD 175 million.
Calypso focuses on chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, with its lead candidate, CALY-002, positioned as a best-in-class anti-IL-15 monoclonal antibody (mAb) for dermatology, gastrointestinal, and rheumatology indications. Currently, CALY-002 is in a Phase Ib study targeting celiac disease and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).- Flcube.com