Amgen Ventures

Amgen Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Amgen that makes direct investments in early through late-stage biotechnology companies. It focuses on discovering and developing human therapeutics across oncology, inflammation, bone health, nephrology, metabolic disorders, neuroscience, and cardiovascular diseases, including in oncology areas such as signal transduction, cell cycle, and apoptosis, and in supportive care like mucositis and cachexia. In nephrology it targets renal failure and hyperparathyroidism; in inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, asthma, COPD, and osteoarthritis; in cardiovascular disease, acute coronary syndromes, dyslipidemia, and heart failure; and in metabolic disorders, diabetes and osteoporosis. It also covers neuroscience areas like pain, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, sleep, cognition, and schizophrenia. The firm engages in early-stage research collaborations and technology, including antibody platforms, biomarkers, and computational tools. Headquartered in Thousand Oaks, with offices in San Francisco, Seattle, and Cambridge, it typically invests 2-3 million per transaction, up to 10 million per company, and seeks ownership under 15 percent. Founded 2004.

David Haddad

Director of Product Management

Majed Kheir

Gladys Nunez

Managing Director

Esteban Santos

Executive Vice President, Operations

Past deals in Acquisition

Horizon Pharma

Acquisition in 2022
Horizon Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in Northbrook, Illinois, established in 2005. The company specializes in developing prescription drugs aimed at providing relief for mild to moderate pain and managing arthritis. Among its notable product candidates are HZT-501, a proprietary fixed-dose combination of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and ibuprofen, and HZT-602, which is a combination oral medication that includes naproxen and famotidine.

ChemoCentryx

Acquisition in 2022
ChemoCentryx is a biopharmaceutical company developing new medications for inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. It focuses on orally-administered small molecule therapeutics targeting chemokine receptors.

TeneoBio

Acquisition in 2021
TeneoBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Menlo Park, California, specializing in the development of human heavy chain antibodies, known as UniAbs, for therapeutic applications. Founded in 2009, the company focuses on creating biologics to treat various conditions, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. TeneoBio has a pipeline of products in both pre-clinical and clinical stages, targeting ailments such as multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, and immune disorders. The company employs a proprietary antibody discovery platform that utilizes genetically engineered animals, next-generation sequencing, and advanced bioinformatics to identify unique binding molecules tailored for specific therapeutic targets. This innovative approach aims to enhance the immune response in patients and address significant health challenges.

Rodeo Therapeutics

Acquisition in 2021
Rodeo Therapeutics Corp. is a Seattle-based drug development company that focuses on creating novel small molecule therapies aimed at tissue repair and regeneration. Founded in 2017, the company targets specific biological pathways and enzyme mechanisms critical for healing. Its primary objectives include developing treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and enhancing blood cell reconstitution after bone marrow transplants. Rodeo's innovative approach involves increasing tissue levels of prostaglandin PGE2 by inhibiting the enzyme 15-PGDH, which has shown promise in protecting against colitis and promoting liver regeneration in various animal models. This research positions Rodeo Therapeutics to contribute significantly to the medical management of these conditions.

Five Prime Therapeutics

Acquisition in 2021
Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of innovative protein therapeutics. Headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company employs its proprietary ProScreen Engine to systematically screen relevant proteins in the human body, facilitating the identification of optimal treatments for various clinical indications. Five Prime's key product candidates include Bemarituzumab, an antibody targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b, currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for gastric cancer, and FPA150, a CD8 T cell checkpoint inhibitor in Phase 1a/1b trials for multiple cancers. Other notable candidates are FPT155, a soluble CD80 fusion protein enhancing T cell co-stimulation, and Cabiralizumab, which inhibits the colony stimulating factor-1 receptor in combination with Opdivo for cancer treatment. Additionally, Five Prime has active collaborations with several prominent pharmaceutical companies, enhancing its research and development capabilities. Founded in 2001, Five Prime Therapeutics is committed to advancing novel therapies to address challenging medical needs.

Otezla

Acquisition in 2019
Otezla® is a prescription medicine approved for the treatment of patients with moderate

Nuevolution

Acquisition in 2019
Nuevolution is a prominent small molecule lead discovery company established in 2001 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. The firm specializes in developing innovative treatments for human diseases, particularly in oncology and inflammatory conditions. Central to its operations is Chemetics®, a proprietary drug discovery platform that combines wet chemistry with molecular biology, allowing for the rapid synthesis and DNA-tagging of millions of diverse small molecule compounds. This advanced technology enables efficient screening to identify potent drug leads at an unprecedented scale and speed. With a library exceeding 1 billion compounds, Nuevolution collaborates with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including notable partnerships with leading industry names. Additionally, the company is involved in a joint venture focused on the discovery and development of small molecule drugs targeting epigenetic factors. Nuevolution's capabilities have led to the identification of novel ligands with potential applications in addressing significant unmet medical needs across various therapeutic areas. The company is privately owned by a group of key Scandinavian investors.

Catherex

Acquisition in 2015
In April 2010, Medigene assigned its development program of oncolytic (cancer-killing) herpes simplex viruses (oHSV), to Catherex, Inc.

Dezima Pharma

Acquisition in 2015
Dezima Pharma B.V., founded in 2012 and located in Naarden, the Netherlands, specializes in the development of protein-based compounds aimed at treating cardiovascular diseases associated with dyslipidemia. The company focuses on creating innovative drug therapies, particularly a cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor, which is designed to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. This pharmacological approach aims to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, thereby providing clinicians with effective treatment options for dyslipidemic patients.

Onyx Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2013
Onyx Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies for cancer treatment. The company's primary product is Nexavar, an oral multiple kinase inhibitor designed to target proteins that contribute to tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. By concentrating on improving the quality of life for cancer patients, Onyx Pharmaceuticals aims to deliver effective treatment options within the competitive landscape of oncology.

Decode Genetics

Acquisition in 2012
DeCODE Genetics is a biopharmaceutical company based in Reykjavik, Iceland, founded in 1996. It focuses on analyzing the human genome to identify genetic variants associated with common diseases. The company utilizes population studies to uncover key genetic risk factors for various conditions, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. DeCODE Genetics develops diagnostic tests and technologies aimed at improving the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of these diseases. By leveraging its expertise in chemistry and structural biology, the company also supports clients in the healthcare sector with DNA-based reference laboratory tests and consumer genome analysis services, which help assess individual risk for common diseases.

MN Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2012
MN is the leading supplier of pharmaceuticals to hospitals in Turkey and garnered sales of about $200 million last year, according to the statement. It was the first Turkish pharmaceutical company to win a license from the Food and Drug Administration to sell products in the U.S.

KAI Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2012
KAI Pharmaceuticals is a drug discovery and development company focused on creating innovative therapeutics for cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and pain management. The company's lead product candidate, KAI-9803, is undergoing a Phase 2b clinical trial aimed at evaluating its ability to reduce myocardial injury in patients experiencing heart attacks. Additionally, KAI is advancing its second core program, KAI-4169, which targets secondary hyperparathyroidism in kidney disease patients and is anticipated to enter human clinical trials. The company is also exploring pain management through its ongoing program, KAI-1678, currently in Phase 2a testing.

Micromet

Acquisition in 2012
Micromet is a biotechnology company focused on the research, development and commercialization of novel biological products for the treatment and control of cancer. Their lead product candidate, Canvaxin, is one of a new class of products being developed in the area of specific active immunotherapy, also known as therapeutic cancer vaccines.

Bergamo

Acquisition in 2011
Bergamo facilitates access and provides treatments in key therapeutic fields like onco-hematology, general medicine, and hospital segment.

Laboratorio Quimico Farmaceutico Bergamo

Acquisition in 2011
Laboratorio Quimico Farmaceutico Bergamo is operates as a pharmaceutical company.

BioVex Group

Acquisition in 2011
BioVex Group is a biotechnology company specializing in the development and commercialization of biological treatments for cancer and infectious diseases. Its primary focus is OncoVEXGM-CSF, an oncolytic vaccine designed to target and destroy cancer cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissues. This innovative therapy utilizes a virus that replicates within solid tumors, leading to their destruction and stimulating a robust systemic immune response against the cancer. OncoVEXGM-CSF has undergone extensive clinical testing with over 110 patients across various solid tumors, including melanoma, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The treatment has demonstrated significant efficacy, routinely eliminating tumors at the injection site and resulting in overall disease responses during Phase II trials. Additionally, BioVex is developing ImmunoVEXHSV2, a vaccine aimed at preventing genital herpes, further expanding its portfolio in biologic therapies.

Alantos Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2007
Founded in 2002, Alantos Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It specializes in the discovery and development of small molecule drugs targeting osteoarthritis, inflammation, and type II diabetes.

Ilypsa

Acquisition in 2007
Ilypsa is a pharmaceutical company based in Santa Clara, California, focused on developing treatments for renal care. Founded in 2002, Ilypsa specializes in creating non-absorbed polymeric compounds that bind to phosphate and potassium in the digestive tract, preventing their absorption into the body. These compounds are designed to treat complications of kidney diseases, such as hyperphosphatemia, which is characterized by high blood levels of phosphorus. The company was previously known as Symyx Therapeutics.

Avidia

Acquisition in 2006
Avidia, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Mountain View, California, that specializes in discovering and developing therapeutic proteins. Founded in 2003, the company focuses on creating Avimer therapeutic proteins designed to treat a range of medical conditions, including autoimmunity, inflammation, oncology, and neurology. Avidia employs innovative protein structural motifs to address these therapeutic areas, aiming to provide effective treatment options for various ailments.

Abgenix

Acquisition in 2005
Abgenix is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development, and manufacture of human therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of various disease conditions such as cancer, inflammation, and metabolic disease. Its antibody therapeutic product candidates, which are in clinical trials include Panitumumab (ABX-EGF), a human antibody therapeutic product candidate directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor and a candidate for the treatment of various solid tumors.  It also includes ABX-10241 (ABX-PTH), which isa  fully human antibody therapeutic product candidate directed against parathyroid hormone for the treatment of a secondary hyper-para-thyroidism. Abgenix was established in 1996 and is headquartered in Fremont, California. It currently operates as a subsidiary of Amgen, Inc.

Tularik

Acquisition in 2004
Tularik is a drug discovery and development company based in South San Francisco that develops orally available medicines aimed at regulating gene expression. A pioneer in cell signaling and gene-expression control, the company concentrates on inflammation, metabolic diseases, and oncology, pursuing therapies that modulate gene expression through diverse targets. Its research programs encompass cancer, cytomegalovirus, diabetes, obesity, immune disorders, hypercholesterolemia, bacterial diseases, and orphan nuclear receptors.

Immunex

Acquisition in 2002
Immunex Corporation was a biopharmaceutical company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 1981. The company specialized in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of therapeutic products aimed at treating cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Its notable products included Enbrel, used for rheumatoid arthritis; Novantrone, indicated for acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and pain related to prostate cancer; and Leukine, designed for patients undergoing bone marrow transplants. Immunex's therapeutic innovations primarily involved immune system proteins that functioned as hormones within the body. The company also established a strategic alliance with American Home Products. In 2002, Immunex was acquired by Amgen, Inc., marking the end of its independent operations.

Filgrastim and Pegfilgrastim

Acquisition in 2002
Filgrastim and pegfilgrastim are a supportive part of treatment for many patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. Some cancer drugs, in addition to attacking the cancer, destroy the patient's white blood cells, which are extremely important in fighting infection. Consequently, these patients are prone to developing severe, and even life-threatening, infections. Filgrastim and pegfilgrastim restore the number of white blood cells and thus improve their ability to kill infecting micro-organisms.

Kinetix Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2000
A company that specializes in discovering small molecules in the field of protein kinase inhibition.

Synergen Health

Acquisition in 1994
Synergen Health is a Dallas, Texas-based company that specializes in revenue cycle management optimization solutions for the healthcare sector. Founded in 2011, it provides consulting services and advanced analytics to help healthcare organizations maximize their revenue potential. The company develops software that integrates patient information management, billing automation, and healthcare data analytics, enabling clients to simplify complex financial data through user-friendly executive dashboards. Synergen Health focuses on delivering quality outcomes with high economic value, continuously expanding its expertise across various specialties and large enterprise clients. Its mission is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of revenue cycle processes within the healthcare industry.
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