Amgen to collaborate with Micromet on BiTE antibody research

Amgen is allying with Micromet to conduct research into an innovative antibody type with potential applications against cancer.

The agreement focuses on BiTE antibodies – which utilise the body's cytotoxic (cell-destroying) T cells against tumour tissue – and will investigate their potential efficacy against up to three targets.

Amgen will have the rights to pursue development and commercialisation in two of these three applications, with combined potential payments of up to 695 million euros (612.7 million pounds).

Under the terms of the partnership, Amgen will handle clinical development, manufacturing and commercialisation, while Micromet will take the lead on discovery and preclinical development.

Dr Roger Perlmutter, executive vice-president of research and development at Amgen, said: "Amgen is pleased to collaborate with the Micromet scientific team to deploy this technology against targets for the treatment of solid tumours."

Last week, Amgen and UCB collaborated to conduct a study of a new sclerostin antibody during the final NASA space shuttle mission.