Novartis may buy Gamida Cell to expand stem cell technologies and therapeutics

Gamida Cell, a leader in stem cell expansion technologies and therapeutic products, announced that it has signed an investment and option agreement with Novartis Pharma AG. As a press release states, Novartis will invest $ 35 million in Gamida Cell and in return will receive 15% equity and an option to fully acquire Gamida Cell. The option is depending on certain milestones connected to the development of «NiCord» (an investigational therapeutic treatment for leukemia and lymphoma), anticipated to be met during 2015. Novartis would pay the other shareholders in Gamida Cell cash payments of approximately $ 165 million, according to the press release. In addition, the Sellers will be entitled to potential future payments which can reach a total of $435 million, depending on certain development and regulatory milestones and on sales of Gamida Cell's products. The full press release of Gamida Cell The homepag e of Gamida Cell