Dragonfly In The News
Bristol Myers partner comes through on IL-12 effort. Now it's Rupert Vessey's turn at bat.
Two years ago, Bristol Myers Squibb R&D boss Rupert Vessey unveiled one of the biggest cash deals he’d done, focusing on the high-risk, high-reward IL-12 target — doing it in a deal with repeat collaborator and NK cell engager player Dragonfly Therapeutics.
As part of that deal, Vessey handed over $475 million in near-term cash in exchange for a global license for Dragonfly’s extended half-life cytokine DF6002 — a monovalent, IL-12 immunoglobulin Fc fusion protein designed to spur a targeted immune response.
Merck and Dragonfly, Together Again
This morning, investors in privately-held Dragonfly Therapeutics are thankful after Merck opted to license its second TriNKET immunotherapy candidate from the Waltham, Mass.-based company. The option came one year after the pharma giant licensed its first immunotherapy candidate.
Dragonfly gets Merck on second TriNKET candidate since 2018 collab
Dragonfly Therapeutics is doing better and better in getting Big Pharma on its TriNKET platform. First Celgene, then BMS, and now Merck — again.
After Merck licensed its first candidate from the platform back in November 2020, the pharma giant is back for seconds as part of a 2018 collaboration between the two companies, which was initially focused on a number of solid tumor targets.
Merck buzzes Dragonfly for 2nd immunotherapy candidate in $700M pact month after Bristol Myers' 6th opt-in
The dragon is flying high today as Merck hits go on a second immunotherapy candidate from its $700 million pact with Dragonfly Therapeutics. The Big Pharma's buy-in comes just a month after Bristol Myers Squibb licensed its sixth drug from the biotech.
Merck hits 'go' on a second Dragonfly drug
Merck & Co. Inc. has decided to move forward on its option to license a second drug from Waltham-based Dragonfly Therapeutics. The two have been partners since 2018, when Merck (NYSE: MRK) paid Dragonfly $695 million up front to develop drugs for solid tumor cancers.
Merck licensed the first of the drugs to emerge from that partnership last November. The companies also expanded their collaboration last year, making it a multi-target agreement to develop and commercialize additional drugs for infectious diseases and immune disorders along with cancer.
Dragonfly Therapeutics Announces Merck Opt-In of TriNKET™ Immunotherapy Candidate for Patients with Solid Tumors
Merck executes option to license its second immunotherapy candidate from the companies' 2018 collaboration for solid tumor targets.
Dragonfly Therapeutics Announces DF1001 Granted Orphan Drug Designation in the US for Esophageal Cancer
The company announces that its lead TriNKET™ immunotherapy program DF1001, a HER2-targeted NK cell engager therapy, is granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) in the US for treatment of esophageal cancer
Dragonfly Therapeutics Announces Sixth Dragonfly Drug to be Licensed by Bristol Myers Squibb and Receipt of Milestone Payments Following First Patient Dosing of Two TriNKET™ Immunotherapies
The company announces its sixth drug licensed by Bristol Myers Squibb, and the first patients enrolled and dosed in Phase 1 clinical trials evaluating its CC-96191 and CC-92328 NK cell engager therapies in patients with hematologic malignancies. Dragonfly receives $28 million in combined payments for these three milestones and is eligible to receive potential future milestones and royalties on net sales.
News briefing: AbbVie selects first target for Dragonfly partnership
Dragonfly’s partnership with AbbVie is beginning to bear fruit.
AbbVie has selected its first NK cell engager-based immunotherapy as part of the deal, triggering an undisclosed opt-in payment, the companies announced Tuesday.
Dragonfly Therapeutics Announces AbbVie Opt-In of TriNKET™ Immunotherapy Drug Candidate
Dragonfly to receive payment for the first Opt-In from AbbVie as part of a multi-target collaboration launched just over 1 year ago.
Special report: Twenty extraordinary women blazing trails in biopharma R&D
Ann Cheung [Head of Biology at Dragonfly] builds next-gen I/O beneath a Cambridge bar.
In a cramped, windowless lab basement beside Cambridge’s Blue Room bar, Ann Cheung stuck her head in the freezer and, with a vial of cells in one hand, used the other to phone a world-famous professor across town and a tech entrepreneur in San Francisco.
Merck opts in for Dragonfly's TriNKET cancer immunotherapy program
Merck is clearly still buzzing about its two-year Dragonfly Therapeutics pact, as it has snapped up a cancer program.
The U.S. Big Pharma is getting its hands on its first TriNKET immunotherapy candidate from the biotech, which comes after the pair expanded their original collab earlier this year with a multi-target deal to develop and sell natural killer (NK) cell engager immunotherapies in oncology, infectious disease and immune disorders.
Merck’s Roger Perlmutter buys his first solid tumor TriNKET from Dragonfly
A little more than 2 years after Merck’s Roger Perlmutter signed off on a deal that would pay Dragonfly up to $695 million for each drug program it picked off for solid tumors, the pharma giant is stepping up with their first opt-in.
Dragonfly scores a new exec with COO Alex Lugovskoy
Bill Haney’s folks at Dragonfly Therapeutics — wheeling and dealing with Bristol Myers Squibb on a $475 million pact in August — have brought on Alex Lugovskoy as chief operating officer.
Dragonfly Therapeutics Expands Leadership Team with Chief Operating Officer and also Strengthens Scientific Advisory Board
Alex Lugovskoy PhD brings 20+ years of drug development experience to his role as Chief Operating Officer of Dragonfly Therapeutics.
Rob Hershberg MD-PhD with 25+ years of biotech and pharma drug development experience has joined Dragonfly's Scientific Advisory Board.
Bristol Myers bets $475M cash on a blockbuster shot at breaking the mold in immuno-oncology — with a potential IL-12 game-changer
This morning Bristol Myers R&D maestro Rupert Vessey is taking the wraps off one of the biggest cash deals he’s done, focusing on IL-12, and he’s done it with some players he’s been collaborating with for years. Vessey is handing over $475 million in near-term cash for control of Dragonfly’s extended half-life cytokine DF6002 — a monovalent IL-12 immunoglobulin Fc fusion protein designed to fire up a targeted immune response.
Aiming for immunotherapy boost, Bristol Myers deepens ties with Dragonfly
Dragonfly, an unusual startup backed by a high-powered group of family offices, has partnered with multiple large drugmakers since its formation in 2015 by cancer researcher Tyler Jacks. One of Dragonfly's drugs is DF6002, a modified, longer-lasting version of the inflammatory cytokine IL-12.
Bristol Myers Squibb to Splash Out $475M on Dragonfly Immunotherapy
Bristol Myers Squibb is paying nearly half a billion dollars in up front and near-term payments to license an early-stage immunotherapy developed by Dragonfly Therapeutics, a firm that’s already a partner on potential treatments in oncology and other disease areas.
New York-based Bristol (NYSE: BMY), which inherited a relationship with the biotech when it acquired Celgene last year, announced terms of the new deal Monday.
Bristol Myers Squibb pens $475M Dragonfly pact for IL-12 program
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is paying nearly half a billion in near-term and upfronts to licence Dragonfly Therapeutics’ interleukin-12 (IL-12) immunotherapy program. This program is the early-stage experimental med DF6002, a monovalent IL-12 immunoglobulin Fc fusion protein, which works by creating an inflammatory tumor microenvironment to boost anti-tumor responses.
Under the pact, BMS gets hold of this drug and is on the hook to develop and sell it, should it gain approval, and plans to test it in both solid and blood cancers.
Dragonfly Therapeutics and Bristol Myers Squibb Announce Exclusive Global License for Dragonfly’s IL-12 Investigational Immunotherapy Program
Bristol Myers Squibb and Dragonfly Therapeutics, Inc., today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Bristol Myers Squibb will be granted the global exclusive license to Dragonfly’s interleukin-12 (IL-12) investigational immunotherapy program, including its extended half-life cytokine DF6002. DF6002 is a monovalent IL-12 immunoglobulin Fc fusion protein proposed to achieve strong anti-tumor efficacy by establishing an inflammatory tumor microenvironment necessary for productive anti-tumor responses.
Dragonfly Therapeutics Announces BMS Opt-In of Fourth TriNKET™ Immunotherapy Drug Candidate
"We are impressed with the quality of candidates developed using Dragonfly's TriNKET™ technology," said Rupert Vessey, FRCP, DPhil, President of Research and Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb. "In just three years, Dragonfly delivered four drug candidates to BMS, a remarkable pace of development."
Dragonfly Therapeutics Initiates Phase 1/2 Study of its IL12 Immunotherapy in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Dragonfly, a clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapies, today announced it has dosed its first patient in a Phase 1/2 study of the Company's proprietary IL12 investigational immunotherapy, DF6002.
A booming Dragonfly is taking its TriNKETs to Copenhagen as the latest Bristol Myers pact spurs expansion plans -- outside the US
Bristol Myers Squibb is making a habit out of collaborating with the crew at Dragonfly, adding their 3rd deal in a series that now will take them into newly charted R&D territory. And the fast-growing team at the Cambridge-based biotech is adding a facility in Copenhagen for its next growth spurt, where the government is making it easy to recruit scientists internationally as the U.S. throttles back.
Bristol Myers Pays Dragonfly $55M to Bring NK Cells to Neuro Diseases
Bristol Myers Squibb likes what it sees from the immune cell research of Dragonfly Therapeutics so far—enough to pay $55 million to add multiple sclerosis and neuroinflammation to their ongoing partnership.
Dragonfly Therapeutics Appoints Head of Clinical Development
Dragonfly Therapeutics today announced that Dr. Tapan Maniar has been appointed SVP and Head of Clinical Development and will join the senior team to aid the development of Dragonfly's novel TriNKET™ and cytokine programs.
Doing deals in a time of coronavirus: Biotech CEO Bill Haney says 'you focus on the things that make a difference'
— Fidelity Management and Research has led a new round for Dragonfly. The new cash brings the total of funds raised from investors and partners to more than $300 million. Then there’s $10 billion more for milestones. Dragonfly has been building their TriNKET technology platform for the innate immune system.
— Merck is expanding their pact with Dragonfly with a $47.5 million payment for upfront and equity to kick up the number of programs they are working on, including new autoimmune drugs.
AbbVie lines up a new preclinical R&D alliance with the dealmakers at natural killer player Dragonfly
Bill Haney is building on his rep as one of the most prolific dealmakers in preclinical R&D, adding a new alliance for Dragonfly Therapeutics with AbbVie on cancer drugs as well as autoimmune diseases — a new field for the upstart developer.
Dragonfly Therapeutics Announces Collaboration with AbbVie for Autoimmune Diseases and Oncology
Dragonfly will use its TriNKET(TM) platform to develop drug candidates directed to multiple targets for autoimmune disorders, and oncology. AbbVie receives exclusive options to license a number of Dragonfly's natural killer (NK) cell engager immunotherapies.
Celgene execs shell out $92M cash for a pair of R&D deals that will fit perfectly in their new home at Bristol-Myers
Today they’re making their first foray into human studies, with the launch of a Phase I study for their lead drug DF1001 in HER2 expressing solid tumors. This is the first of their TriNKET platform drugs to go into humans
Dragonfly Therapeutics Announces Celgene Opt-In of Third TriNKET™ Immunotherapy Drug Candidate
Dragonfly to receive a $12M in-licensing payment and is eligible to receive potential future milestones and royalties on net sales.
Dragonfly Therapeutics Initiates Phase 1/2 Study of DF1001 in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Dragonfly Therapeutics today announced that the first patient was dosed in a Phase 1/2 study of DF1001 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dragonfly's DF 1001 clinical trial is currently recruiting patients with various types of advanced solid tumors that express human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).
Merck’s cancer R&D juggernaut ties up to little Dragonfly’s natural born killer platform — with billions on the line
A little more than a year after Celgene bellied up to the partnership table with $33 million in cash to ally itself with the upstart crew at Dragonfly, Merck has now followed behind in search of what they’re hoping is a game-changing approach to treating solid tumors.
Merck & Co. Partners with Dragonfly on NK-Based Cancer Immunotherapies
Merck & Co. plans to develop new solid tumor cancer immunotherapies using Dragonfly Therapeutics’ Tri-specific NK cell Engagement Therapies (TriNKET™) technology platform, through a collaboration that Dragonfly said could generate for it up to $695 million per program, plus royalties.
Dragonfly Therapeutics in $695M cancer R&D pact with Merck
More than a year after insect-inspired biotech Dragonfly Therapeutics penned a blood cancer pact with big biotech Celgene, it's back at the deal table with a potentially meaty biobucks deal with Merck and a focus on solid tumors..
Dragonfly and Merck Strike $695 Million Deal for Solid Tumors
Waltham, Mass.-based Dragonfly Therapeutics struck a licensing agreement worth up to $695 million with Merck. Merck will license exclusive rights to Dragonfly’s TriNKET technology platform for a number of solid-tumor programs, the company announced today.
The Endpoints 11: A group of disruptive upstarts on a do-or-die mission to launch new meds
Over the last 15 years I’ve had the chance to help select about 200 private biotechs for up-and-coming awards like this. Looking over the rank and file of this disruptive crowd, I had my standouts, my OK borderline selections, and some truly dreadful, cringe-worthy choices.
Dragonfly Founders to Lead Disruptors Conversation at Boston Biotech
Every life sciences startup aims to shake up and challenge the status quo. But which Boston companies are taking the most radical approaches and seem poised to become the biggest disruptors? What are their goals, what is their approach to building a great biotech company, and how are the founders working with investors to pursue their disruptive vision? And most importantly, how will their work impact the lives and health of patients?
Dragonfly, Tyler Jacks’s Disney-Backed Startup, Gets $33M in Celgene Deal
Dragonfly Therapeutics, a stealthy startup formed by well-known cancer researchers on both coasts and backed by a high-powered group of family offices, has inked its first partnership. Celgene, of Summit, NJ, is paying Dragonfly $33 million up front for the chance to co-develop up to four blood cancer drugs.
Celgene bags option on NK cell-based blood cancer assets
Celgene has landed an option on four natural killer (NK) cell-based blood cancer therapeutics in a deal with Dragonfly Therapeutics. The agreement sees Celgene hand over $33 million and commit to more in milestones to access next-generation immuno-oncology candidates aimed at some of its core therapeutic areas.
Dragonfly Therapeutics Strikes Immuno-Oncology Deal With Celgene
Dragonfly Therapeutics Inc. has secured $33 million through a collaboration with Celgene Corp. to develop immuno-oncology treatments for various blood cancers.
Dragonfly Therapeutics Expands Clinical Leadership Team, Appointing Dr. Hesham Aboshady as Head of Safety & Pharmacovigilance and Rajesh Israni as Head of Regulatory Affairs.
WALTHAM, Mass., March 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dragonfly Therapeutics, Inc. ("Dragonfly" or the "Company"), today announced it has expanded its Clinical Leadership Team with the addition of Dr. Hesham Aboshady, an experienced clinician as Head of Drug Safety, and Rajesh Israni as Head of Regulatory.
Dragonfly Therapeutics Announces Multi-Target Expansion of its Research Collaboration with AbbVie to Develop Novel Therapeutic Candidates for Immune-Mediated Diseases
WALTHAM, Mass., April 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dragonfly Therapeutics, Inc. ("Dragonfly"), a biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapies that harness the innate immune system to treat disease, today announced an expansion of its research collaboration with AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) to discover and develop Dragonfly's novel immunotherapies for new targets in autoimmune and fibrotic diseases. AbbVie successfully licensed its first TriNKET™ drug candidate from Dragonfly, part of a multi-target collaboration initiated in November 2019, in January 2021.