Ilex Pharmaceuticals

Ilex Oncology was a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of targeted therapies for cancer. The company's portfolio was highlighted by Campath (alemtuzumab), a monoclonal antibody for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and Clolar (clofarabine), a next-generation purine nucleoside antimetabolite for pediatric leukemia. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Ilex built a robust pipeline through internal development and strategic acquisitions. In 2004, the company was acquired by Genzyme Corporation in a deal valued at approximately $1 billion, integrating its oncology assets into Genzyme's portfolio. This acquisition provided Genzyme with a commercial oncology infrastructure and a late-stage pipeline of cancer treatments.