Amgen discontinues development of CETP inhibitor

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) discontinued internal development of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor AMG 899 (TA-8995). The company said it will explore out-licensing of the product, which it gained via its 2015 acquisition of Dezima Pharma B.V. after the compound had completed Phase IIb testing to treat dyslipidemia. Amgen said it made its decision in light of recently reported outcomes data from Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) for CETP inhibitor anacetrapib (see BioCentury, Oct. 13)...