Amgen, Biovitrum deal

Biovitrum will acquire marketed products Kepivance palifermin and Stemgen ancestim from Amgen. The deal also includes an exclusive, worldwide license to Amgen's Kineret anakinra to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Amgen will receive about $130 million up front, consisting of $110 million in cash and $20 million in Biovitrum stock. Amgen also is eligible for a single sales milestone payment each for Kineret and Kepivance, and royalties on additional developed products that are based on Kineret. Combined sales of the three products were about $70 million in 2007. The deal is expected to close by year end. ...