Celgene has entered a definitive merger agreement to acquire US-based biopharmaceutical firm Juno Therapeutics for $87 per share, totalling approximately $9bn.

Juno primarily develops chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T and T-cell receptor (TCR) therapeutics.

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The firm’s JCAR017 (lisocabtagene maraleucel; liso-cel) candidate for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is expected to bolster Celgene’s lymphoma portfolio.

Anticipated to obtain US regulatory approval next year, JCAR017 is estimated to potentially generate around $3bn in peak sales.

Celgene CEO Mark Alles said: “The acquisition of Juno builds on our shared vision to discover and develop transformative medicines for patients with incurable blood cancers.

“Juno’s advanced cellular immunotherapy portfolio and research capabilities strengthen Celgene’s global leadership in haematology and adds new drivers for growth beyond 2020.”

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“The people at Juno channel their passion for science and patients towards a common goal of finding cures by creating cell therapies that help people live longer, better lives.”

The deal will further add complementary scientific platform and scalable manufacturing capabilities to support Celgene’s position in haematology and oncology segments.

Furthermore, Celgene intends to leverage Juno’s research and development facility in Seattle and the firm’s manufacturing facility in Bothell, Washington for expanding its existing centre of excellence for immuno-oncology translational medicine.

Juno Therapeutics president and CEO Hans Bishop said: “The people at Juno channel their passion for science and patients towards a common goal of finding cures by creating cell therapies that help people live longer, better lives.

“Continuing this work will take scientific prowess, manufacturing excellence and global reach. This union will provide all three.”

Subject to customary closing conditions, the acquisition is expected to be completed in the first quarter of this year.

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