Amgen has acquired global development and commercial rights from Boehringer Ingelheim for BI 836908 (AMG 420), a bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) that targets B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a potential target for multiple myeloma. The drug is currently in Phase I studies.

Amgen will work with Boehringer to assume responsibility for the clinical development, transfer manufacturing, and lead global regulatory activity going forward. Amgen will also receive worldwide commercialization rights for BI 836908 (AMG 420). Financial terms were not disclosed.

"Obtaining global rights to BI 836908 (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 R&D at Amgen. "Multiple myeloma is a rare and aggressive blood cancer and despite new advances there is currently no cure.^1-3 BI 836908 (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 836908 (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."