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 I studies. BI 836909 (AMG 420) was originally licensed to Boehringer Ingelheim by Micromet before the company was acquired by Amgen in 2012.

Under the agreement, Amgen will work with Boehringer Ingelheim to assume responsibility for the clinical development of BI 836909, transfer manufacturing, and lead global regulatory activity moving forward. Amgen will also receive worldwide commercialization rights for BI 836909. Prior to this agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim held global development and commercialization rights. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

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.

Source: Amgen and Boehringer Ingelheim