Ambrx and BeiGene Announce Global Research and Development Collaboration to Develop Next-Generation Biologics
Ambrx to receive an upfront payment of US$10 million to apply its proprietary Expanded
Genetic Code platforms to discover novel biologic drug candidates in this collaboration
with BeiGene and is eligible to receive additional upfront payments for additional
research programs together with development and commercial milestone payments and
potential royalties on product sales
BeiGene obtains worldwide rights to develop and commercialize any drug products that
arise from the collaboration
SAN DIEGO, Calif., CAMBRIDGE, Mass., and BEIJING, China, March 6, 2019 ? Ambrx Inc.,
a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative
protein therapeutics and BeiGene, Ltd. (Nasdaq: BGNE; HKEX: 06160), a commercialstage 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
(ReCODEP
TMP) and CHO cells (EuCODEP
TMP). 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 mean
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
39TU www.ambrx.comU39T.
BeiGene Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws,
including statements regarding the future research, development and potential
commercialization activities under the agreement with Ambrx, potential payments and/or
royalties payable to Ambrx, the speed and outcome of drug development plans, and
other information that is not historical information. Actual results may differ materially
from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important
factors, including BeiGene's ability to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of its drug
candidates; the clinical results for its drug candidates, which may not support further
development or marketing approval; actions of regulatory agencies, which may affect
the initiation, timing and progress of clinical trials and marketing approval; BeiGene's
ability to achieve commercial success for its marketed products and drug candidates, if
approved; BeiGene's ability to obtain and maintain protection of intellectual property for
its technology and drugs; BeiGene's reliance on third parties to conduct drug
development, manufacturing and other services; BeiGene?s limited operating history
and BeiGene's ability to obtain additional funding for operations and to complete the
development and commercialization of its drug candidates, as well as those risks more
fully discussed in the section entitled ?Risk Factors? in BeiGene?s most recent quarterly
report on Form 10-K, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other
important factors in BeiGene's subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of this press release,
and BeiGene undertakes no duty to update such information unless required by law.
Ambrx Contacts:
Taylor Cohen
+1 858-875-2400
taylor.cohen@ambrx.com
BeiGene Contacts:
Investor Contact Media Contact
Craig West Liza Heapes
+1 857-302-5189 + 1 857-302-5663
ir@beigene.com media@beigene.com