Johnson & Johnson (J&J; NYSE: JNJ), a global healthcare conglomerate, has announced its intention to acquire Ambrx Biopharma (NASDAQ: AMAM), a U.S.-based developer of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). The deal is valued at approximately USD 2 billion in equity and carries a net cash requirement of USD 1.9 billion, with an expected closure in the first half of 2024.
Through this acquisition, J&J will add a suite of clinical and pre-clinical candidates to its portfolio, including the potential first-in-class anti-PSMA ADC, ARX517, currently in Phase I/II trials for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Additionally, J&J will gain HER2-directed ARX788 for metastatic HER2+ breast cancer and CD-70-targeting ARX305 for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Ambrx’s proprietary synthetic biology platform enables the incorporation of synthetic amino acids (SAAs) into proteins using an expanded genetic code. This technology leads to next-generation ADCs with site-specific, homogeneous, and stable conjugation of cytotoxic payloads, which enhances efficacy and reduces toxicity.
Founded in 2003, Ambrx has several ties to the Chinese market. In 2013, Zhejiang Medicine Co., Ltd (SHA: 600216) secured development and commercial rights to a HER2-targeted ADC from Ambrx, a drug that has since reached Phase III and received Breakthrough Therapy Designation. Zhejiang Med licensed a second compound from Ambrx in 2019. Other Chinese partners include NovoCodex and BeiGene. In 2015, a consortium consisting of Fosun Pharma, HOPU Investments, CEL Healthcare Fund, and WuXi PharmaTech acquired full control of Ambrx, aiming to foster further partnerships with Chinese biotech firms. Ambrx went public in 2021.- Flcube.com
