CSL Behring acquires Calimmune

The CSL Behring subsidiary of CSL Ltd. (ASX:CSL) said it will acquire gene therapy company Calimmune Inc. (Tucson, Ariz.), gaining two ex vivo autologous gene therapy candidates and two stem cell therapy technologies. Calimmune will receive $91 million upfront and is eligible for up to $325 in milestone payments. The deal, announced on Aug. 28, is expected to close within two weeks.

CSL Behring will gain Calimmune's preclinical asset CAL-H, a hematopoietic stem cell therapy to treat sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. The company plans to begin Phase I/II testing of the candidate next year...