Amgen obtains global development and commercial rights from Boehringer Ingelheim for investigational BiTE® immuno-oncology drug for multiple myeloma
THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF. and RIDGEFIELD, CONN., September 1, 2016 – Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) and Boehringer Ingelheim today announced that Amgen has acquired global development and commercial rights from Boehringer Ingelheim for BI 836909 (AMG 420), a bispecific T cell engager (BiTE®) that targets B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a potential target for multiple myeloma. BI 836909 (AMG 420) is currently in Phase 1 studies. BI 836909 (AMG 420) was originally licensed to Boehringer Ingelheim by Micromet before the company was acquired by Amgen in 2012.
Under the provisions of the agreement, Amgen will work with Boehringer Ingelheim to assume responsibility for the clinical development of BI 836909 (AMG 420), transfer manufacturing, and lead global regulatory activity moving forward. Amgen will also receive worldwide commercialization rights for BI 836909 (AMG 420). Prior to this agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim held global development and commercialization rights. Financial terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.
“Obtaining global rights to BI 836909 (AMG 420) advances Amgen’s immuno-oncology strategy allowing us to leverage our expertise with the BiTE® platform to target BCMA in the multiple myeloma setting,” said Sean E. Harper, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. “Multiple myeloma is a rare and aggressive blood cancer and despite new advances there is currently no cure. BI 836909 (AMG 420) allows us to explore a potential new treatment approach that harnesses the immune system to fight multiple myeloma.”
“Boehringer Ingelheim is delighted that Amgen will continue our successful development of this important compound for multiple myeloma,” said Dr. Jörg Barth, corporate senior vice president, Therapy Area Head Oncology at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Given Amgen’s focus in this disease area, we are convinced this best supports the future development for BI 836909 (AMG 420) and the goal to ultimately offer new treatment options for patients. Immuno-oncology and T cell engagers remain a key area of focus for Boehringer Ingelheim as well as providing innovative treatments for lung and blood cancers.”
About BI 836909 (AMG 420)
BI 836909 (AMG 420) is a bispecific T cell engager (BiTE®) that is under investigation for the treatment of multiple myeloma. BI 836909 (AMG 420) targets B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a target in multiple myeloma due to its restricted normal tissue expression and uniform expression on multiple myeloma cells. BI 836909 (AMG 420) is currently being evaluated in Phase 1 studies.
About BiTE® Technology
Bispecific T cell engager (BiTE®) antibody constructs are a type of immunotherapy being investigated for fighting cancer by helping the body's immune system to detect and target malignant cells. The modified antibodies are designed to engage two different targets simultaneously, thereby juxtaposing T cells (a type of white blood cell capable of killing other cells perceived as threats) to cancer cells. BiTE® antibody constructs help place the T cells within reach of the targeted cell, with the intent of allowing T cells to inject toxins and trigger the cancer cell to die (apoptosis). BiTE® antibody constructs are currently being investigated for their potential to treat a wide variety of cancers. For more information, visit www.biteantibodies.com.
About Amgen
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.
Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.
For more information, visit www.amgen.com and follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen.
About Boehringer Ingelheim in Oncology
Oncology is one of five key focus areas for Boehringer Ingelheim with 13 compounds in clinical development across a broad range of solid tumors and blood cancers. This includes non-small cell lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. In addition, BI continues with key strategic partnerships in oncology all with a focus on improving the lives of patients with cancer.
Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, Boehringer Ingelheim operates globally through 145 affiliates and a total of some 47,500 employees. The focus of the family-owned company, founded in 1885, is on researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing new medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.
Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to improving lives and providing valuable services and support to patients and their families. Our employees create and engage in programs that strengthen our communities. To learn more about how we make more health for more people, visit our Corporate Social Responsibility Report.
In 2015, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about $15.8 billion (14.8 billion euros). R&D expenditure corresponds to 20.3 percent of its net sales.
For more information please visit www.us.boehringer-ingelheim.com, or follow us on Twitter @BoehringerUS.
Amgen Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Amgen. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial metrics, expected legal, arbitration, political, regulatory or clinical results or practices, customer and prescriber patterns or practices, reimbursement activities and outcomes and other such estimates and results. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and more fully described in the Securities and Exchange Commission reports filed by Amgen, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. Unless otherwise noted, Amgen is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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