Amgen's small molecule play

Amgen Inc., arguably the leader in protein-based drugs, is making sure that it participates in biotech's shift to medicinal chemistry through the formation of strategic alliances that bring in small molecule expertise.

AMGN's recent deal with Arris Pharmaceutical Corp. to discover and develop oral synthetic cytokine mimetics marks the second collaboration in the last six months that will increase its presence in the small molecules field. In January, AMGN formed a partnership with Sugen Inc. focused on receptor tyrosine kinases and receptor tyrosine phosphatases in the areas of neurobiology and platelet stimulation and differentiation...