---
title: "Eli Lilly Moves To Strengthen Cancer Pipeline"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/283709213.md"
description: "Eli Lilly is nearing a $2 billion acquisition of Kelonia Therapeutics to enhance its cancer pipeline. The deal, expected to be announced soon, may include milestone payments. Kelonia focuses on a next-generation CAR T therapy for multiple myeloma, aiming to simplify treatment processes. Despite raising under $60 million and being valued at over $100 million in 2022, Lilly's investment reflects its long-term potential in the $240 billion oncology market. Kelonia's lead program has FDA clearance for Phase 1 trials with up to 40 patients."
datetime: "2026-04-22T18:16:28.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/283709213.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/283709213.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/283709213.md)
---

# Eli Lilly Moves To Strengthen Cancer Pipeline

Eli Lilly looks close to sealing a more than $2 billion deal for Kelonia Therapeutics, a move that shows it is not slowing down when it comes to building out its cancer pipeline.

The acquisition could be announced as soon as Monday and may include milestone payments tied to future progress, according to The Wall Street Journal. Kelonia is a privately held biotech focused on a next generation CAR T therapy for multiple myeloma, part of a roughly $240 billion global oncology market. The price tag stands out, especially since the company had raised under $60 million and was last valued just above $100 million in 2022, suggesting Lilly is paying up for long term potential.

What makes Kelonia interesting is its approach. Traditional CAR T treatments are complex and often require chemotherapy and lab based cell modification. Kelonia is trying to simplify that process by removing those steps, which could make treatments easier to scale if it works. Its lead program is still early, with FDA clearance to begin Phase 1 trials in up to 40 patients.

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