Amgen and Immatics ally to develop cancer immunotherapies

Amgen and Immatics Biotechnologies have announced a new research alliance in the field of cancer immunotherapy.

The research collaboration and exclusive license agreement will focus on the development of next-generation T-cell engaging bispecific immunotherapies targeting multiple cancers, with Amgen leading the clinical development, manufacturing and commercialisation activities.

It will leverage Immatics' world-leading XPRESIDENT target discovery and T-cell receptor capabilities and Amgen's validated Bispecific T-cell Engager technology, with the aim of creating novel oncology therapies.

T-cell engaging bispecifics work by harnessing immune system functions, redirecting T-cell responses towards cancer cells expressing specific tumour antigens.

Immatics will receive an upfront fee of $30 million (24.72 million pounds) and is eligible to receive more than $500 million in development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments for each programme, as well as tiered royalties.

Dr Sean Harper, executive vice-president of research and development at Amgen, said: "The intersection of immunology and oncology represents a promising and rapidly developing approach that can have a significant impact for patients with cancer."

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