# Eli Lilly will pay $3.25 billion upfront for Kelonia Therapeutics.

*biotech · news · 2026-04-20 · CNBC*

## Key points

- Eli Lilly will acquire Kelonia Therapeutics in a deal valued up to $7 billion.
- Kelonia's in vivo CAR-T technology reprograms T-cells inside the body via a one-time IV therapy.
- Unlike existing ex vivo CAR-T treatments, Kelonia's therapy requires no cell harvesting or preconditioning.
- Lilly aims to broadly enter hematology with Kelonia's treatment, targeting community clinics beyond academic centers.
- The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

**Companies:** Eli Lilly, Kelonia Therapeutics
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/20/eli-lilly-to-acquire-cancer-drug-maker-kelonia.html)

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