Amgen announced a $840 million acquisition of Dark Blue Therapeutics Ltd., a privately held UK company that develops first‑in‑class small‑molecule protein degraders for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The deal, announced on January 6, 2026, adds a differentiated AML program to Amgen’s oncology portfolio and positions the company to accelerate clinical development of a novel therapy targeting the MLLT1/3 proteins that drive certain AML subtypes.
Dark Blue was founded in 2020 as a spin‑out from the University of Oxford and has attracted investment from Oxford Science Enterprises, Bristol Myers Squibb and Evotec. Its lead candidate, DBT 3757, is in IND‑enabling preclinical studies and represents a first‑in‑class approach to protein degradation in hematologic malignancies. By integrating Dark Blue’s technology, Amgen aims to bring this candidate into clinical testing earlier than competitors, leveraging its manufacturing and commercialization platform to support rapid progress.
Amgen’s oncology strategy focuses on early‑stage assets that can be advanced through its deep expertise in genetics, protein engineering and AI‑driven discovery. The acquisition aligns with that strategy, adding a high‑potential AML asset to a portfolio that already includes Vectibix and other emerging candidates. Management emphasized the urgency of new AML therapies, noting that “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.” The addition is expected to broaden Amgen’s oncology footprint and create a potential new revenue stream as the company seeks to capture market share in a high‑need, high‑growth therapeutic area.
The transaction is structured as a cash deal with a maximum value of $840 million, reflecting Amgen’s willingness to invest heavily in early‑stage oncology assets that fit its strategic priorities. While the exact payment schedule and milestone terms are not disclosed, the headline value underscores the significance of the acquisition. The deal is expected to close in the coming months, subject to customary regulatory and shareholder approvals.
Amgen’s broader financial health remains robust, with a long track record of revenue growth and a diversified pipeline. The acquisition of Dark Blue is a strategic move to strengthen its position in the competitive oncology market, particularly in AML, where unmet medical need remains high. By adding a first‑in‑class degraders platform, Amgen enhances its ability to address difficult cancers and potentially unlocks new revenue opportunities as the candidate advances through clinical development.
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