Amgen and CytomX Therapeutics Inc. have entered into a collaboration in immuno-oncology that will allow the companies to co-develop a CytomX Probody T-cell engaging bispecific against the epidermal growth factor receptor.
Probody T-cell engaging bispecifics are antibody constructs capable of directing cytotoxic T-cells in tumor microenvironments. In preclinical studies, CytomX’s Probody versions of EGFRxCD3 bispecific therapeutics induced tumor regressions and increased the therapeutic window for this high potential cancer target, the companies said.
Under the agreement, Amgen and CytomX will co-develop a Probody T-cell engaging bispecific against EGFRxCD3. Amgen will lead later development and commercialization with global late-stage development costs shared between the two companies.
Amgen will make an upfront payment of $40 million and purchase $20 million of CytomX common stock. CytomX will be eligible to receive up to $455 million in development, regulatory and commercial milestones for the EGFR program. Amgen will lead global commercial activities with CytomX able to opt into a profit share in the U.S. and receive tiered, double-digit royalties on net product sales outside the U.S.
Amgen will also receive exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize up to three additional, undisclosed targets. Should Amgen ultimately pursue all of these targets, CytomX will be eligible to receive up to $950 million in additional upfront and milestone payments and high single-digit to mid-double digit royalty payments on any resulting products.
CytomX will receive the rights from Amgen to an undisclosed preclinical T-cell engaging bispecific program; Amgen is eligible to receive milestones and royalty payments on any resulting products from this CytomX program.
