Calypso Biotech

Calypso Biotech operates as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical entity, specializing in the discovery and development of novel antibody-based therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. The company was established in 2013 as a spin-out from Merck Serono by Alain Vicari, who serves as CEO, and Yolande Chvatchko, the Chief Scientific Officer. Their shared expertise in translational immunology fueled the company's creation after Merck's decision to close its Geneva headquarters, creating an opportunity to advance promising research projects.

The company's core focus is on the biology of Interleukin-15 (IL-15), a cytokine that plays a crucial role in controlling barrier function and downstream immune cascades implicated in numerous chronic autoimmune diseases. Calypso's business model revolves around the research and development of monoclonal antibodies to address significant unmet medical needs in this area. A major milestone was achieved in January 2024 when Novartis agreed to acquire Calypso Biotech for an upfront payment of $250 million, with potential for an additional $175 million in development milestones. This acquisition granted Novartis full rights to Calypso's lead asset, accelerating its path toward commercialization.

Calypso's flagship product is CALY-002, a humanized monoclonal antibody designed to bind to and neutralize IL-15. The antibody employs a distinct molecular mechanism to inhibit IL-15 signaling, thereby reducing inflammation and preventing tissue damage. CALY-002 has demonstrated a potent ability to inhibit IL-15-mediated cell proliferation. Prior to the acquisition, CALY-002 was being evaluated in Phase 1b clinical trials for patients with Celiac Disease and Eosinophilic Esophagitis, two conditions with high unmet medical needs where IL-15 is a key driver of pathology. Novartis plans to explore the application of CALY-002 across a broad spectrum of autoimmune indications, including dermatology, gastroenterology, and rheumatology.

Keywords: Calypso Biotech, autoimmune diseases, monoclonal antibodies, Interleukin-15, IL-15 inhibitor, CALY-002, Novartis acquisition, biopharmaceutical, Celiac Disease, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, immunology, drug development, Alain Vicari, Yolande Chvatchko, Merck spin-out, clinical-stage, therapeutic biologics, inflammation, tissue destruction, gastrointestinal diseases, M Ventures, Gilde Healthcare, Fountain Healthcare Partners