Amgen buys KAI Pharmaceuticals for US$315m

Categories | Finance |

Amgen is to acquire privately owned KAI Pharmaceuticals for US$315m in cash.

The South San Francisco-based firm’s leading product candidate, KAI-4169, is a novel agent being initially studied for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are on dialysis.

SHPT, a component of CKD mineral and bone disorder (MBD), is a common and serious complication for patients with CKD who are on dialysis. In addition to SHPT, KAI is conducting preclinical research on prehemodialysis applications of KAI-4169.

Amgen will acquire worldwide rights, excluding Japan, to KAI-4169. Ono Pharmaceutical Co holds the rights in Japan.

Amgen has provided a loan to enable Phase III development planning for KAI-4169 prior to closing.

Sean Harper, executive vice president of research and development at Amgen, said: ‘We are excited about acquiring KAI, as well as the opportunity to potentially deliver a novel therapy for chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis suffering from secondary hyperparathyroidism.’

Steve James, president and chief executive of KAI, added: ‘KAI and the nephrology community are excited by the additional clinical data we've generated for KAI-4169, and we are thrilled that Amgen shares our perspective on the differentiated profile and potential of this product candidate.’

• Amgen