Xconomy reports on Amgen's next pipeline drug for bone treatments. Its current drug denosumab (or Dmab) is sold under the name Prolia for osteoporosis treatment and Xgeva when used to treat bone fractures in cancer patients. Now it is working on AMG785.
Amgen Pushes Ahead With Son of Dmab; For Treating Broken, Frail Bones.
It is a misnomer to call it Son of Dmab in my mind -- more like Cousin to Dmab as the drug is different and has a completely different mechanism of action. However, it may be very complementary in use for the treatment of patients with bone ailments - like osteoporosis or fractures.
AMG785 is early in the pipeline but does offer interesting possibilities if it reachesd approval. Dmab blocks osteoclast function and prevents normal bone breakdown. AMG785 conversely can be used to enhance osteoblast function (by inhibiting action of sclerotin) and stimulate bone build up. Thus, Amgen will be able to attack bone healing problems from two perspectives and has the beginnings of a portfolio to sell to bone treatment specialists.
These drugs could help Amgen grab a good portion of the $9 B per year market for the treatment of osteoporosis. That's a chunk of change Cuz.
Posted by Bruce Lehr Feb 9th 2011.
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