Amgen, Tetragenetics, Pfizer deal

Tetragenetics granted Amgen "technology access" and exclusive research rights to an undisclosed surface antigen drug target selected by Amgen. Tetragenetics will provide Amgen use of its technology enabling high density heterologous expression of recombinant human membrane proteins on the cell surface of Tetrahymena thermophila. The technology can be used to enhance antibody production against the extracellular portions of the target. Tetragenetics said that, once the antigen has been made, the companies will be "actively involved in developing antibodies in a joint way." The partners declined to provide financial details. ...