Amgen announces collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline

Amgen is to work with GlaxoSmithKline in a deal that will see the two firms share the commercialisation of the former’s monoclonal antibody denosumab for postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) in a number of markets.

In a statement, Amgen explained that the regions are Europe, Australia, Mexico and New Zealand – and the work will begin once the product is approved for use in these markets.

An initial payment and near-term commercial milestones totalling $120 million (73.1 million pounds), as well as ongoing royalties, will be provided to Amgen by GlaxoSmithKline.

Kevin Sharer, chief executive of Amgen, said: “Our collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline will help Amgen bring the promise of denosumab to patients in Europe and other parts of the world more effectively than if we commercialised the drug globally on our own.”

Earlier this month, the firm announced the appointment of Rebecca Henderson, a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, to its board of directors.