Amgen and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) would collaborate to share commercialization of Amgen’s monoclonal antibody denosumab for postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico, once the product is approved in these countries.
Amgen is likely to commercialize the drug for PMO and oncology in the US and Canada, and for all oncology indications in Europe and specified markets.
GSK would register and commercialize denosumab for all indications in countries where Amgen does not currently have a commercial presence, including China, Brazil, India and South Korea.
Financial terms of the partnership include an initial payment and near-term commercial milestones to Amgen totaling $120 million, and ongoing royalties.
Reportedly, the companies’ combined commercialization activities will expand access to denosumab, once approved, to patients worldwide who are afflicted by osteoporosis and other bone loss conditions.
Kevin Sharer, CEO of Amgen, said: Our collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline will help Amgen bring the promise of denosumab to patients in Europe and other parts of the world more effectively than if we commercialized the drug globally on our own.
Amgen and GlaxoSmithKline together are uniquely positioned to help medical providers and patients understand the clinical promise and economic value of denosumab, he added.