I meant to comment on the news last week that Merck will pay $15 M upfront with plenty (possible $288 M) in back end incentives to partner with Ambrx on its ADC technology. I'm big on the potential of ADC particularly with the success we're seeing this year with Seattle Genetics' Adcetris and with Genentech's T-DM1 soon to join the party.
Up till now, ADC programs have been geared to the treatment of various cancers. But with Ambrx's unique binding methods for linking antibodies to toxins that allow it to better control the ratio of bound toxins to antibodies, the Merck-Ambrx partnership will look to go after other diseases outside the cancer arena. This could include autoimmune conditions and diseases like diabetes. I think it is exciting to see the technology extend to these other chronic disease areas. See Xconomy here and here.
Posted by Bruce Lehr Jun 22, 2012
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