Celldex acquires rights to immune-stimulatory molecules from Amgen

Celldex Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company, has expanded its precision targeted immunotherapy platform by acquiring exclusive rights to FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand and CD40 ligand, from Amgen. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) and CD40 ligand (CD40L) are immune modulating molecules that increase the numbers and activity of immune cells that control immune responses. Celldex believes these ligands may hold significant opportunity for synergistic development in combination with other molecules in the company’s portfolio.

Pursuant to its agreement with Amgen, Celldex has acquired exclusive rights to develop and commercialize two molecules known as Flt3L and CD40L. Flt3L is a potent hematopoietic cytokine that stimulates the expansion and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells. Flt3L has demonstrated a unique capacity to increase the number of circulating dendritic cells in both laboratory and clinical studies.

In addition, Flt3L has shown impressive results in models of cancer, infectious diseases and inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. The CD40L has potent immune activation properties through activation of dendritic cells that express the CD40 receptor, said Celldex.

Anthony Marucci, president and CEO of Celldex, said: This agreement with Amgen is part of Celldex’s ongoing development strategy to identify technology and product candidates that we believe hold significant value that can be unlocked with our precision targeted immunotherapy platform.