Celgene and BeiGene announce new immuno-oncology alliance

Celgene has announced a new collaboration with the Chinese pharmaceutical company BeiGene in the field of immuno-oncology.

The strategic collaboration will centre on the development and commercialisation of BeiGene's investigational anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor, BGB-A317, for patients with solid tumour cancers in the US, Europe, Japan and other regions outside Asia.

BeiGene will retain exclusive rights for BGB-A317 for haematological malignancies globally and for solid tumours in Asia, and will also acquire Celgene's commercial operations in China, thereby gaining an exclusive license to commercialise therapies such as Abraxane, Revlimid and Vidaza in this territory.

It is expected that this alliance will maximise the drug's potential to serve as the basis for best-in-class PD-1-based immuno-oncology combinations in solid tumours, taking advantage of BGB-A317's differentiated profile and Celgene's global oncology expertise.

BeiGene will receive $263 million (203.42 million pounds) in upfront licence fees and a $150 million equity investment as part of the deal.

Mark Alles, chief executive officer of Celgene, said: "China is an important market for Celgene, and our collaboration with BeiGene positions us exceptionally well to optimise research, manufacturing and the long-term commercial potential of our portfolio in China."

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