Triphase Accelerator Corp. has entered a strategic collaboration with Celgene Corp. under which Celgene has an option to acquire all Triphase assets relating to TRPH-222 (CD22-4AP), an antibody-drug conjugate in development for lymphoma.

Triphase received an upfront payment and will control development and retains all commercial rights to TRPH-222 (CD22-4AP). If Celgene exercises its option, it will become responsible for development and commercialization, and Triphase will be eligible to receive development, regulatory and sales milestones. This is the third product option deal between Triphase and Celgene.

“This collaboration is important to Triphase Accelerator in multiple ways. First, it continues to solidify the relationship we have developed over time with Celgene.  They have been a valued collaborator to us and we are grateful.  Just as importantly, it continues to validate our business model of acquiring early-stage assets and applying our methodology to accelerate programs through the proof-of-concept phase and into the clinic,” said Mohit Trikha, Ph.D., chief scientific officer, Head of Triphase Accelerator. “As we continue to acquire and develop new assets, we look forward to finding new ways to demonstrate how our approach is uniquely science based, efficient, and cost-effective, with the ultimate goal to help patients.”

“We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Triphase Accelerator and believe in their approach to drug development,” said Celgene’s president of Hematology Oncology, Michael Pehl. “This latest agreement, which closely follows our acquisition of their marizomib asset, represents our confidence in their approach to drug development, and we look forward to a continued collaboration with the company.”