Tesaro Acquires Rights to Amgen ALK Program

Tesaro, Inc. has signed an agreement with Amgen to gain exclusive worldwide rights for the development, manufacture, commercialization of small molecule inhibitors of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK). Tesaro plans to develop one or more compounds for oncology indications, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in tumors that are ALK-positive. The agreement includes an upfront payment and potential future payments and royalties based on development and commercial milestones. Figures were not disclosed.

Abnormal ALK fusion proteins are thought to be a key driver of certain types of cancers, including NSCLC as demonstrated in recent trials of an ALK inhibitor. Sub-populations of other cancers including lymphoma and neuroblastoma are also associated with abnormal expression of ALK proteins. Amgen’s oral, small molecule ALK inhibitors are highly potent and selective, and have desirable pharmaceutical properties.

“Tesaro is very pleased to announce this license agreement and intends to rapidly complete the necessary studies and activities required for submission of an IND application and advance this promising therapeutic for cancer patients to clinical phase testing,” said Mary Lynne Hedley, Ph.D., president and chief scientific officer of Tesaro. “ALK inhibition shows great promise for a specific and identifiable population of patients. Obtaining rights to this potentially best-in-class program advances our mission to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and enhances our company’s pipeline of cancer therapeutics and supportive care agents.”