THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Jan. 6, 2026 — Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) said it has acquired Dark Blue Therapeutics Ltd., a privately held U.K. biotechnology company, in a transaction valued at up to $840 million.
The deal adds an investigational small molecule designed to target and degrade MLLT1 and MLLT3, two proteins that drive specific subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Preclinical studies in leukemia models show promising anti-cancer activity and a mechanistic profile distinct from existing therapies, supporting development as both a single agent and in combination to address treatment resistance and improve remission durability.
“Acute myeloid leukemia remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat, and we see an urgent need for new mechanisms capable of changing the trajectory of this disease,” said Jay Bradner, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. “This acquisition complements and extends our research in targeted protein degradation and leukemia therapeutics, advancing our strategy to invest early in rising medicines for novel therapeutic targets.”
Amgen plans to integrate Dark Blue Therapeutics into its research organization to strengthen early oncology discovery and advance the MLLT1/3 program toward clinical investigation.
Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers medicines to treat serious illnesses, with a broad pipeline in oncology, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory and rare diseases. The company was an early leader in the biotechnology industry and is listed on the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq-100.
This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties; actual results may differ. Additional information and risk factors are available in Amgen’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Media contact: Elissa Snook, 609-251-1407
Investor contact: Casey Capparelli, 805-447-1746
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