Eli Lilly Buys Kelonia for $3.25B as Amazon Launches $25 GLP-1 Program
Eli Lilly is acquiring Kelonia Therapeutics for $3.25 billion to gain a Phase I in vivo BCMA-targeted CAR-T therapy that achieved MRD-negative responses in all four patients without severe adverse events. Amazon’s One Medical program will offer GLP-1 drugs from $25 monthly and injectables at $299 with delivery in 4,500 cities.
1. Kelonia Therapeutics Acquisition
Eli Lilly agreed to acquire Kelonia Therapeutics for $3.25 billion, securing a Phase I in vivo BCMA-targeted CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma that delivered MRD-negative responses in all four treated patients and showed no high-grade cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity.
2. Amazon One Medical GLP-1 Program
Amazon is integrating GLP-1 obesity treatments into its One Medical primary care arm and Amazon Pharmacy, offering insured patients drugs from $25 per month and injectables at $299 cash, with delivery coverage expanding to 4,500 cities.
3. Market and Competitive Implications
The Kelonia deal strengthens Lilly’s long-term cell therapy pipeline beyond its GLP-1 franchise, while Amazon’s aggressive pricing and insurer scrutiny of Medicare GLP-1 coverage for seniors could pressure Lilly’s obesity drug margins and market share in the near term.