DISCO Pharmaceuticals signs license deal with Amgen

The Cologne-based biotech company DISCO Pharmaceuticals has signed an exclusive license agreement with the US pharmaceutical company Amgen. The aim of the collaboration is to develop novel cancer drugs based on a cell surface target identified by DISCO (surfaceome target).

The target molecule complex was identified on the surface of cancer cells using DISCO's proprietary surfaceome mapping platform. Under the terms of the agreement, Amgen will receive exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize corresponding therapeutic programs.

Deal volume of up to 618 million US dollars

Under the terms of the agreement, DISCO may receive milestone payments and license fees with a potential total volume of up to USD 618 million if the deal is successful. In addition, there are sales-based royalties on products marketed in the future.

The agreement underlines the growing importance of platform technologies for the systematic identification of new therapeutic targets, particularly in difficult-to-treat tumor diseases.

Surfaceome technology as the basis of the collaboration

DISCO's platform combines cell surface proteomics with advanced protein community mapping. This makes it possible to identify previously inaccessible target structures on the surface of cancer cells - including functional protein pairs and communities.

These findings serve as the basis for the development of highly specific, surfaceome-targeted therapeutics, including bispecific antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and T-cell engagers (TCEs). The aim is to achieve high tumor specificity with a broad therapeutic window.

Focus on difficult-to-treat cancers

DISCO's internal pipeline is currently focused on programs for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (MSS-CRC). These are indications with high medical need and limited treatment options.

With the partnership with Amgen, DISCO aims to accelerate the translation of its biological findings into clinically relevant therapies and at the same time open up new opportunities for cross-indication applications.