Celgene has taken part in a Harel Insurance Finance-led series B round that will fund the progress of Biond's lead immuno-oncology drug into clinical trials.

Israel-based immuno-oncology therapy developer Biond Biologics has completed a $17m series B round co-led by Harel Insurance & Finance Group and specialist investment vehicle Israel Biotech Fund.

The round also featured pharmaceutical company Celgene and SBI JI Innovation Fund, a joint venture formed by financial services provider SBI Holdings and Singaporean state-owned venture capital firm Vertex and as well as undisclosed existing investors.

Founded in 2016, Biond Biologics is developing immunotherapies to stimulate or suppress elements of the immune system…