Ambrx and BeiGene Announce Global Research and Development Collaboration to Develop Next-Generation Biologics
SAN DIEGO, CAMBRIDGE, Mass., and BEIJING, China, March 06, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ambrx, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative protein therapeutics and BeiGene, Ltd (Nasdaq: BGNE; HKEX: 06160), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative molecularly-targeted and immuno-oncology drugs for the treatment of cancer, today announced a global research and development collaboration. Ambrx has developed proprietary Expanded Genetic Code technology platforms designed to allow the efficient incorporation of non-natural amino acids into proteins in both E. Coli (ReCODETM) and CHO cells (EuCODETM). This technology enables site-specific modification of proteins to create potentially first- and/or best-in-class innovative protein drugs. The collaboration leverages Ambrx’s clinically validated drug discovery technology platforms with BeiGene’s expertise and resources to pursue the development and commercialization of next-generation biologics drugs.
“We are excited to have access to the Ambrx platform technology, which can be used to introduce non-natural amino acids selectively and specifically into a protein at any site, to develop novel biologic compounds. We believe that by incorporating this site-specific conjugation technology, we can further broaden BeiGene’s portfolio of next-generation biologics,” commented John V. Oyler, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of BeiGene. “This collaboration with Ambrx is another example of our commitment to investing in innovative early-stage research – both via our internal resources and capabilities and via collaborations.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Ambrx will receive an upfront payment of US$10 million to fund the initial discovery and research activities and additional upfront payments of up to US$19 million if BeiGene elects to initiate additional programs. Ambrx is eligible to receive potential development, regulatory, and sales-based milestone payments up to an aggregate of $446 million for all programs, in addition to tiered royalties on future global sales. BeiGene will have worldwide rights to develop and commercialize any drug products resulting from the collaboration.
"BeiGene is an inspiring and fast-growing biotech company. It has extensive experience in developing and commercializing novel medicines for the treatment of cancer, and we are very excited to enter into a broad collaboration with BeiGene,” said Feng Tian, Ph.D., newly appointed President and CEO of Ambrx. “We look forward to working together with the BeiGene team to create innovative drugs utilizing the Ambrx technology platforms. We plan to fully leverage the resources and expertise of BeiGene to work to advance novel biologics, which include targeted immuno-oncology drugs, to the global market.”
About BeiGene
BeiGene is a global, commercial-stage, research-based biotechnology company focused on molecularly-targeted and immuno-oncology cancer therapeutics. With a team of over 2,200 employees in China, the United States, Australia and Europe, BeiGene is advancing a pipeline consisting of novel oral small molecules and monoclonal antibodies for cancer. BeiGene is also working to create combination solutions aimed to have both a meaningful and lasting impact on cancer patients. BeiGene markets ABRAXANE® (nanoparticle albumin–bound paclitaxel), REVLIMID® (lenalidomide), and VIDAZA® (azacitidine) in China under a license from Celgene Corporation.i
About Ambrx
Ambrx Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company using an expanded genetic code to create first- and/or best-in-class biotherapeutics, including antibody drug conjugates (ADC), immunomodulating proteins, bispecific antibodies and other therapeutic proteins with improved pharmacologic properties. The company is developing ARX788, potential best-in-class ADC for breast and gastric cancers. Leveraging the Ambrx proprietary technology platforms, Ambrx has collaborations with Bristol-Myers Squibb, Astellas, BeiGene, Elanco and ZMC, with drug products generated using Ambrx technology in different stages of clinical trials. Ambrx is advancing a robust portfolio of product candidates that are optimized for efficacy, safety and ease of use in multiple therapeutic areas. For additional information, visit www.ambrx.com.