Gloucester Pharmaceuticals

Notes

Gloucester Pharmaceuticals was a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for cancer. The company's lead product ISTODAX (romidepsin) was a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).

Acquired by Celgene Corporation in 2009 for approximately $300 million plus potential milestones. The acquisition gave Celgene the rights to ISTODAX, which received FDA approval in November 2009 for CTCL and in 2011 for PTCL.

Gloucester was backed by Apple Tree Partners and other venture capital investors. The company exemplified successful development of an epigenetic cancer therapy before the field became widely recognized.

Team (Pre-Acquisition)

• Michael Bonney - Former CEO
• Leadership team with pharma and oncology development experience

Additional Research Findings

• Founded in 2003 in Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Acquired by Celgene in 2009 for ~$300 million
• ISTODAX (romidepsin) FDA approved November 2009
• First HDAC inhibitor approved for CTCL
• Portfolio company of Apple Tree Partners
• Epigenetics pioneer in oncology
• ISTODAX now owned by Bristol-Myers Squibb (acquired Celgene in 2019)

Sources

• Celgene Acquisition Press Release (2009)
• FDA Approval Announcement
• Apple Tree Partners Portfolio