Amgen and Synaffix Pen $2 Billion
Amgen has entered into a groundbreaking licensing agreement with Dutch biotech firm Synaffix to develop next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The partnership allows Amgen access to Synaffix's proprietary ADC technologies, GlycoConnect and HydraSpace, as well as select toxSYN linker-payloads for an ADC program. This collaboration is expected to revolutionise cancer treatment and could potentially be worth up to $2 billion, along with tiered royalties on commercial sales.
- Revolutionising Antibody Engineering: The Groundbreaking Work of Sir Gregory Winter
- Sony and Astellas Team Up to Create Breakthrough ADC Oncology Platform
- Accelerating time to market through process innovation
ADCs are a cutting-edge class of drugs that combine the targeting abilities of antibodies with potent cytotoxic drugs. They offer highly targeted treatments that deliver the drug payload specifically to cancer cells, minimizing harm to healthy tissues. By utilizing Synaffix's innovative ADC technologies, Amgen aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of these novel therapies.
Synaffix's ADC technologies, GlycoConnect and HydraSpace, offer unique advantages in the field of targeted therapies. GlycoConnect enables precise glycan positioning on antibodies, increasing their efficacy in targeting cancer cells. HydraSpace optimises the spatial arrangement of payloads, further enhancing the effectiveness of ADCs. This synergistic combination of technologies holds the promise of unlocking new possibilities in cancer treatment.
As part of the agreement, Amgen will be responsible for research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of the ADCs. On the other hand, Synaffix will retain responsibility for manufacturing components related to its proprietary technologies. This cooperative approach allows both companies to focus on their respective areas of expertise, ensuring efficient and streamlined progress throughout the drug development process.
Moreover, the partnership between Amgen and Synaffix extends beyond the initial agreement. Amgen has the option to exercise exclusive research and commercial licenses for up to four additional ADC programs in the future. This demonstrates a high level of confidence in Synaffix's technologies and hints at the potential for even more groundbreaking therapies in the pipeline.
The collaboration with Synaffix is not the first time the company has ventured into successful partnerships in the biotech sector. In the past, Synaffix has entered into research and collaboration agreements with Hummingbird Bioscience, ADC Therapeutics, Mersana Therapeutics, and other industry players.
The partnership between Amgen and Synaffix marks a significant milestone in the field of cancer therapeutics. By leveraging Synaffix's innovative ADC technologies, Amgen is poised to develop next-generation therapies with enhanced precision and efficacy. This collaboration holds the potential to revolutionise cancer treatment, offering new hope to patients and advancing the biotech industry's fight against cancer.
Get your weekly dose of industry news and announcements here, or head over to our Biologics portal to catch up with the latest advances in targeted therapies. To learn more about our upcoming Biologics UK conference, visit our event website to download an agenda and register your interest.
Related Resources
