For $400M up front, Amgen gains Dupixent rival in Kyowa Kirin’s OX40 antibody

Although Kyowa Kirin still hasn’t publically disclosed detailed data from a Phase II trial of its OX40-targeting mAb to treat atopic dermatitis, Amgen believes strongly enough in the molecule’s potential to compete with blockbuster Dupixent that it will pay the Japanese biopharma $400 million up front for its global, ex-Japan rights.

KHK4083, which could become a first-in-class therapy, significantly improved disease symptoms from baseline vs. placebo in a February readout, meeting the Phase II trial’s primary endpoint. The study measured percent change in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores at week 16 among patients not adequately controlled with topical agents...