Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Ambrx, Inc. announced a collaboration under which Bristol-Myers Squibb will receive exclusive worldwide rights to research, develop and commercialize biologics based on Ambrx’s research surrounding the Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF-21) protein, for potential use in treating type 2 diabetes, and the Relaxin hormone, for potential use in treating heart failure. Derivatives of FGF-21 and Relaxin were developed using Ambrx’s unique ReCODE platform technology to modify the native proteins with amino acid building blocks beyond the common 20 to engineer enhanced versions for investigation for therapeutic use.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bristol-Myers Squibb will make an upfront payment of $24 million to Ambrx. In addition, Bristol-Myers Squibb will make potential milestone payments and royalty payments on worldwide sales for both programs. Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ambrx will also enter research collaborations for both programmes.

FGF-21 is a naturally occurring protein that has been characterized as a potent metabolic regulator, and has been shown to lower blood glucose, elevate good cholesterol and promote weight loss in preclinical studies. The lead compound in this program, ARX618, or PEG-FGF-21, is in the final stages of preclinical development.

Relaxin is a naturally occurring hormone known for its role in pregnancy and childbirth. Preclinical studies suggest Relaxin may aid in the treatment of heart failure by improving cardiac function. This programme is in preclinical development.

“Bristol-Myers Squibb has a strong heritage discovering, developing and delivering medicines to treat diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” said Francis Cuss, senior vice president, Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “As part of our String of Pearls strategy we seek to build relationships with companies that have innovative programmes and capabilities that complement our own internal efforts. We are excited to be working with Ambrx, which has used its unique ReCODE technology to create precisely engineered investigational biologics in both of these therapeutic areas. Our combined expertise will provide the best chance of bringing these innovative medicines to patients.”

Added Simon Allen, chief business officer of Ambrx, “These programmes have shown tremendous potential in preclinical studies, and we believe that Bristol-Myers Squibb has the necessary expertise to best lead their continued development. We look forward to using the revenues from this partnership to continue to grow our internal pipeline, which includes our promising antibody drug conjugate programmes.”

Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases.

Ambrx Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company using its broad biologics platform to create best-in-class therapeutics, including antibody drug conjugates and proteins with improved pharmacologic properties.