Continuing its strategy of investing in novel therapeutic approaches in oncology via option-based deals, Celgene has formed a broad collaboration with OncoMed Pharmaceuticals that is potentially worth more than US$3.3 B to develop and commercialise up to six biologics targeting cancer stem cells, including OncoMed’s Phase Ib drug candidate demcizumab (OMP-21M18). As part of the deal, Celgene will pay OncoMed US$155 M upfront and take a 5% equity stake in the company. OncoMed retains co-development and US co-commercialisation rights to five of the collaboration programmes.