Amgen has inked a $520 million deal to acquire Kyowa Hakko's humanized monoclonal antibody (MAb) KW-0761, a treatment for inflammation and oncology settings. Tokyo-based Kyowa Hakko gains $100 billion up front and up to $420 million in development, approval and sales milestones. Amgen has worldwide rights to the drug outside of Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan. KW-0761 is currently undergoing Phase I studies for lymphoma patients; a trial in allergic rhinitis patients has already been completed.
MAbs are currently one of the most attractive segments of the biotech industry. A recent Datamonitor report projected 14 percent annual growth in the market for the antibody drugs, by far the fastest-growing segment of the industry.
- here's Amgen's release [1]
Related Articles:
Kyowa Hakko receives not approvable letter. Report [2]
MAbs are hottest segment of biotech industry. Report [3]
Amgen--Top 15 R&D Budgets. Report [4]
Amgen, Takeda ink massive development deals. Report [5]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/kyowa-hakko-and-amgen-enter-licensing-agreement-anti-ccr4-humanized-monoclonal-antibo
[2] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/kyowa-hakko-receives-not-approvable-letter-fda-istradefylline-kw-6002/19065
[3] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/mabs-are-hottest-segment-biotech-industry/2007-10-12
[4] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/special-reports/9-amgen-top-15-r-d-budgets
[5] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/amgen-takeda-ink-massive-development-deals/2008-02-04