Amgen To Highlight New Preclinical Data At The American Association For Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., March 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced that new preclinical data from its oncology portfolio will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting from April 1-5, 2017, in Washington, D.C. These data provide insights into the potential of Amgen's half-life optimized bispecific T cell engager (BiTE^®) immunotherapy platform across different cancers, as well as the local and systemic immune effects from combining Amgen's oncolytic virus with a CTLA-4 inhibitor.

Preclinical data from Amgen's latest oncology candidate to enter clinical trials (AMG 176) will also be presented. AMG 176 is a potent, highly selective and reversible Mcl-1 inhibitor. A variety of studies have demonstrated that hematologic malignancies, such as multiple myeloma, acute myeloid leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are particularly sensitive to Mcl-1 inhibition.

"AACR has always been an important meeting for sharing some of our latest advances in cancer research and 2017 is no exception. This year's data underscores our commitment to Amgen's evolving oncology portfolio and to the discovery and development of innovative new therapies," said David Reese, M.D., senior vice president of Discovery Research (interim) and Translational Sciences at Amgen. "In addition to sharing new data for some of our more advanced compounds, we also look forward to sharing research around our first-in-class Mcl-1 inhibitor, a small molecule being investigated for its potential use in patients with hematologic malignancies for which there continues to be a need for new treatment options."

Abstracts are available and can be viewed on the AACR website at http://www.aacr.org/. Identified below are selected abstracts of interest on Amgen research.

Mcl-1 Inhibition:

• The discovery and preclinical characterization of AMG 176: A first-in-class Mcl-1 inhibitor in clinical development for multiple myeloma
  Abstract #DDT01-01, Oral Presentation, Sunday, April 2 from 1–1:24 p.m. ET at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, East Salon A-B, Level 1
• Combined targeting of MEK and MCL-1 induces apoptosis and tumor regression of KRAS mutant NSCLC
  Abstract #2163, Poster Session, Monday, April 3 from 1–5 p.m. ET at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Halls A-C, Section 7
• Preclinical evaluation of AMG 176, a novel, potent and selective Mcl-1 inhibitor with robust anti-tumor activity in Mcl-1 dependent cancer models
  Abstract #2027, Poster Session, Monday, April 3 from 1–5 p.m. ET at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Halls A-C, Section 1

BiTE^® Antibody Construct:

• Generation of half-life extended anti-CD33 BiTE^® antibody constructs compatible with once-weekly dosing
  Abstract #55, Poster Session, Sunday, April 2 from 1–5 p.m. ET at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Halls A-C, Section 3 
• Preclinical evaluation of a BiTE^® antibody construct with extended half-life that targets the tumor differentiation marker mesothelin
  Abstract #3630, Poster Session, Tuesday, April 4 from 8 a.m. – noon ET at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Halls A-C, Section 26
• BiTE^® antibody constructs for the treatment of SCLC
  Abstract #3632, Poster Session, Tuesday, April 4 from 8 a.m. – noon ET at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Halls A-C, Section 26

Immuno-Oncology:

• OncoVEX^mGM-CSF (HSV-1 modified similarly to talimogene laherparepvec) icombination with CTLA-4 blockade leads to both local and systemic efficacy in a murine syngeneic model of metastatic melanoma
  Abstract #4566, Poster Session, Tuesday, April 4 from 1–5 p.m. ET at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Halls A-C, Section 25

Growth Inhibitory Pathway:

• Selective MET kinase inhibition in MET-dependent glioma models
  Abstract #2077, Poster Session, Monday, April 3 from 1–5 p.m. ET at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Halls A-C, Section 4

About BiTE^® Technology
Bispecific T cell engager (BiTE^®) antibody constructs are a type of immunotherapy being investigated for fighting cancer by helping the body's immune system to detect and target malignant cells. The modified antibodies are designed to engage two different targets simultaneously, thereby juxtaposing T cells (a type of white blood cell capable of killing other cells perceived as threats) to cancer cells. BiTE^® antibody constructs help place the T cells within reach of the targeted cell, with the intent of allowing T cells to inject toxins and trigger the cancer cell to die (apoptosis). BiTE^® antibody constructs are currently being investigated for their potential to treat a wide variety of cancers. For more information, visit www.biteantibodies.com.

About Amgen's Commitment to Oncology
Amgen Oncology is committed to helping patients take on some of the toughest cancers, such as those that have been resistant to drugs, those that progress rapidly through the body and those where limited treatment options exist. Amgen's supportive care treatments help patients combat certain side effects of strong chemotherapy, and our targeted medicines and immunotherapies focus on more than a dozen different malignancies, ranging from blood cancers to solid tumors. With decades of experience providing therapies for cancer patients, Amgen continues to grow its portfolio of innovative and biosimilar oncology medicines.

Forward-Looking Statements
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CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks
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SOURCE Amgen