Amgen and Daiichi Sankyo Announce Agreement for Denosumab in Japan
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. & TOKYO -- July 11, 2007 - Amgen and Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited today announced a collaboration and license agreement for the development and commercialization of denosumab in Japan. Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets RANK Ligand (an essential mediator of cells that break down bone) and is being investigated for its potential to treat and prevent a broad range of bone loss conditions including osteoporosis and bone metastases.
Under the terms of the agreement, Amgen has granted Daiichi Sankyo exclusive rights to develop and commercialize denosumab in Japan in post-menopausal osteoporosis and oncology with the potential for additional indications. As part of the agreement, Amgen will receive exclusive worldwide rights to certain Daiichi Sankyo intellectual property to the extent applicable to denosumab.
The financial terms include an upfront payment to Amgen of $20 million. In addition, Daiichi Sankyo will assume all development costs for denosumab in Japan and will pay approximately $150 million of expected worldwide development costs for denosumab through 2009. In consideration of its intellectual property, Daiichi Sankyo is also eligible to receive milestone payments dependent on the approval of denosumab in the European Union or Japan, in two indications. In connection with its activities under the collaboration and license agreement, Daiichi Sankyo will pay royalties on annual net sales of denosumab in Japan in amounts commensurate with a major late stage product for the Japan market.
"Daiichi Sankyo is an ideal partner for denosumab," said Kevin Sharer, chairman and CEO of Amgen. "Daiichi Sankyo is uniquely positioned to bring this potential therapy to patients with a wide spectrum of bone-related diseases in Japan."
"Daiichi Sankyo is thrilled to partner with a world leader in biotechnology to gain access to this important antibody product," said Takashi Shoda, president and CEO of Daiichi Sankyo. "We believe that denosumab has the potential to be a first-in-class, leading product in Japan for multiple indications within Daiichi Sankyo's therapeutic areas of focus. Denosumab's potential applicability in oncology makes it an important part of the foundation for our growing oncology business." Daiichi Sankyo has a full range of commercial capabilities, including in the primary care and hospital settings, a track record of successful large, first-in-class product launches and the financial strength to ensure appropriate investment in the product.
About Denosumab
Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets RANK Ligand and is being investigated for its potential to prevent and treat a broad range of bone loss conditions including osteoporosis, bone metastases, treatment-induced bone loss, multiple myeloma and bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis. Denosumab is the first late-stage investigational therapy that specifically inhibits RANK Ligand, an essential mediator of the cells that break down bone.
About Amgen
Amgen discovers, develops and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science's promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and our vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com.
About Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited
DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY, LIMITED was established in September 2005 as the joint holding company for the DAIICHI SANKYO Group by means of a stock transfer. Business integration has proceeded steadily since then, and the integration process was completed in April 2007 with the merger of Sankyo Co. Ltd. and Daiichi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. into DAIICHI SANKYO. DAIICHI SANKYO is a global pharmaceutical innovator, continuously generating innovative drugs and services and maximizing its corporate value. For further details, please refer to the company Web site at www.daiichisankyo.com
Forward-Looking Statement: Amgen
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