Amgen and Kyowa Kirin, a Tokyo-based bio/pharmaceutical company, have entered into an agreement to jointly develop and commercialize KHK4083, Kyowa Kirin’s investigational monoclonal antibody for treating atopic dermatitis (eczema) and other autoimmune diseases, in a deal worth up to $1.25 billion ($400 million upfront and up to $850 million in milestone payments).

KHK4083 is ready for Phase III development. It was discovered by Kyowa Kirin and engineered with the company’s Potelligent defucosylation technology to enhance its antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity.

Under the agreement, Amgen will lead the development, manufacturing, and commercialization for KHK4083 for all markets globally, except Japan, where Kyowa Kirin will retain all rights. Additionally, Kyowa Kirin will co-promote KHK4083 with Amgen in the US and have opt-in rights to co-promote KHK4083 in certain other markets outside the US, including in Europe and Asia.

Amgen will make a $400-million up-front payment to Kyowa Kirin and make future contingent milestone payments potentially worth up to an additional $850 million, as well as royalty payments on future global sales. Kyowa Kirin and Amgen will share global development costs, except in Japan, and US commercialization costs. Amgen will consolidate sales for KHK4083 in all markets globally, except for Japan. Amgen also will also evaluate the potential in indications beyond atopic dermatitis. The closing of the transaction is conditioned on obtaining any necessary consents and approvals.

Source: Amgen and Kyowa Kirin