Amgen opts to DARP-out after seeing early data from $50M Molecular Partners collab

 After a peek at the earliest data for Molecular Partners’ DARPin therapy, Amgen is saying thanks but no thanks on the $50 million partnership.

Molecular Partners has disclosed that Amgen is handing back the rights to MP0310, a dual-targeted compound that aims to activate T cells and other immune cells without causing adverse events. For Amgen, the decision to walk away comes after the biotech giant conducted a strategic pipeline review.

MP0310 is currently being tested in a phase 1 trial which has just begun to reveal clinical findings, Molecular Partners said. The therapy was found to activate the immunostimulatory receptor 4-1BB after an initial dose. The second part of the trial will focus on finding a dose for further study, with completion expected in the second half and the full dataset revealed later this year.

Amgen paid $50 million up front in 2018 for the global rights to MP0310 to test it against some of the pharma’s meds, including its bispecific T cell engagers. Molecular Partners was in charge of the phase 1 test and Amgen had an option to advance later stage development once that was complete. The early-stage trial got underway in October 2019 in patients with solid tumors.

With the Amgen deal winding down, Molecular Partners plans to continue with clinical research and seek potential partnerships for the program.

DARPin therapies are a new class of protein medicines that are much smaller than monoclonal antibodies and designed to overcome traditional limitations of that modality.

Molecular Partners has several Big Pharma partnerships, including work with Novartis on a COVID-19 DARPin treatment.

The small biotech's shares tumbled 17% to $13.89 in after-market trading after the news was revealed, compared to a close of $16.90. 

https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/amgen-opts-darp-out-after-seeing-early-data-50m-molecular-partners-collab