Amgen, Celldex deal
Amgen granted Celldex exclusive, worldwide rights to develop and commercialize FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3LG) and CD40 ligand. Celldex plans to combine the molecules with others in its portfolio to create therapeutic vaccines for cancer, inflammation and infectious diseases. Possible compounds for combination include Celldex's CDX-1307 (formerly BHCG-VAC, MDX-1307), a fusion protein composed of a mannose receptor-specific human antibody conjugated to the beta chain of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) currently in Phase I testing for cancer, and CDX-1401, an IND-stage fusion protein consisting of a fully human mAb against dendritic cell receptor linked to the cancer/testis antigen 1B (CTAG1B) (NY-ESO-1), also to treat cancer. Amgen received an undisclosed upfront payment and will be eligible for undisclosed milestones and royalties. ...