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Friday, Mar 29, 2024

Amgen Partners with Array BioPharma

Amgen Inc. and Boulder Col.-based Array BioPharma Inc. entered into an agreement where Amgen was granted exclusive worldwide rights to Array’s small-molecule glucokinase activator program including the company’s ARRY-403. The latter is currently being tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with Type 2 diabetes. “Type 2 diabetes affects over 20 million Americans and its incidence is increasing at an alarming rate,” said Dr. Roger M. Perlmutter, Amgen’s executive vice president of Research and Development, in a press release. “We are pleased to be collaborating with Array BioPharma in this arena, and are excited about the potential of this glucokinase activator,” he added. “Type 2 diabetes has long been an important focus of research for Amgen, and the addition of ARRY-403 clearly strengthens our diabetes pipeline.” Under terms of the agreement, Array will receive an upfront payment of $60 million and additional contingent payments for certain clinical and commercial milestones. Array is responsible for completing the Phase 1 trial for ARRY-403. Amgen is responsible for future clinical development and commercialization for ARRY-403 and any resulting back-up compounds, with Array having an option to co-promote in the U.S. Array will receive double-digit royalties on sales of ARRY-403. In addition, Amgen will fund an agreed upon number of full-time Array employees as part of a two-year research collaboration intended to identify and advance second-generation glucokinase activators. “Amgen is a leading innovator of important new therapies, with a focus on the treatment of severe, chronic diseases, and we believe that this collaboration indicates the significant potential of our glucokinase activator program,” said Robert E. Conway, chief executive officer of Array BioPharma.

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