Kelonia Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on developing in vivo gene delivery technologies for genetic medicines. Founded around 2021, it pioneered the in vivo gene placement system (iGPS®), utilizing engineered lentiviral particles with envelope and tropism modifications to selectively target T cells and generate CAR-T cells directly in the body.
The company's lead candidate, KLN-1010, is a one-time intravenous anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy in Phase 1 trials (inMMyCAR study) for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Early clinical data presented at the 2025 ASH Annual Meeting demonstrated potential efficacy, including minimal residual disease-negative outcomes.
With an initial emphasis on hematologic cancers and solid tumors, Kelonia aims to expand its pipeline across various diseases, enabling off-the-shelf treatments without ex vivo manufacturing or lymphodepleting chemotherapy. In April 2026, Eli Lilly agreed to acquire Kelonia for up to $7 billion, including $3.25 billion upfront, to advance these in vivo CAR-T therapies; the deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to approvals.
Also known as Kelonia Therapeutics.
Revenue rose 48% to $23.0bn driven by Mounjaro and Zepbound; updated 2026 revenue guidance to $85–87bn; retatrutide Phase 3 package complete supporting a Q1 2027 BLA.
EPS jumped ~170% reported (~156% non‑GAAP); volume growth offset lower realized prices; FDA approved oral GLP‑1 Foundayo; positive Phase‑3 readouts; four acquisitions announced
Buyer will acquire a clinical-stage in vivo CAR-T developer for up to $7B (incl. $3.25B upfront). Lead KLN-1010 (lentiviral anti-BCMA) showed promising Phase 1 ASH data; close expected H2 2026.
