Amgen has acquired Dark Blue Therapeutics in a deal worth up to $840 million, adding the company’s first-in-class targeted protein degrader DBT 3757 to its oncology pipeline. The program is in IND-enabling studies and is being developed for acute leukemias, with leadership from both companies highlighting its potential and strategic fit.
Written By: Pharmacally Medical News Desk
Amgen has agreed to acquire Dark Blue Therapeutics Ltd., a privately held biotechnology company focused on precision oncology, in a deal valued at up to $840 million including upfront and future milestone payments. The agreement adds Dark Blue’s investigational molecule, DBT 3757, to Amgen’s cancer research portfolio.
The acquisition brings Dark Blue’s expertise in targeted protein degradation and its lead candidate into Amgen’s early research organization, further expanding Amgen’s efforts in novel cancer therapeutics.
Lead program: DBT 3757 and its therapeutic potential
A centerpiece of the deal is DBT 3757, a differentiated small molecule targeted protein degrader designed to target and degrade MLLT1 and MLLT3 proteins, which play a role in certain blood cancers.
According to the Dark Blue press release, DBT 3757 is currently in IND-enabling studies (preclinical stage) and represents a first-in-class therapeutic strategy for:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
The molecule has shown promising anti-cancer activity in leukemia models and is described as mechanistically differentiated from existing therapies. Because of its mode of action marking harmful proteins for degradation the program could support use as a single agent and serve as a basis for combination treatments earlier in therapy.
Dark Blue’s release also notes a favorable safety profile in preclinical work, suggesting the potential for improved tolerability and flexibility in treatment regimens.
Company leadership statements
Jay Bradner, M.D., Executive Vice President of Research and Development at Amgen, highlighted the unmet medical need in AML and the strategic value of this acquisition: “Acute myeloid leukemia remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat, and we see an urgent need for new mechanisms capable of changing the trajectory of this disease.” He noted that the transaction complements and extends Amgen’s research in targeted protein degradation and leukemia therapeutics, and that bringing this program into clinical investigation is a priority.
Alastair MacKinnon, CEO of Dark Blue Therapeutics, emphasized confidence in Amgen’s capabilities: “Amgen has the expertise, resources and commitment to accelerate development of DBT 3757 to treat patients with acute leukemia, including those that do not respond to current standard therapies.” He also thanked Dark Blue’s team and investors for their contributions.
Craig Fox, Board Representative for Oxford Science Enterprises, which backed Dark Blue, described the acquisition as a strong validation of the company’s science, team and vision, and expressed expectations that DBT 3757 would move swiftly toward clinical testing under Amgen’s guidance.
Integration and strategic rationale
Amgen expects to integrate Dark Blue Therapeutics into its existing research organization to accelerate development. The integration is aimed at enhancing Amgen’s early oncology discovery efforts, especially in areas where novel mechanisms like targeted protein degradation could create differentiated therapies.
From Amgen’s perspective, this acquisition aligns with its strategy to invest in novel therapeutic targets early in development, particularly in fields with high unmet need and opportunities to improve clinical outcomes.
Financial and advisory details
In the transaction, BofA Securities served as exclusive financial advisor to Dark Blue Therapeutics, while Goodwin Procter acted as legal counsel for the company.
The deal value of up to $840 million includes both upfront consideration and potential future milestones contingent on development and regulatory achievements.
References
Amgen acquires dark blue therapeutics, bolstering oncology pipeline, 6 January 2026, https://investors.amgen.com/node/36836/pdf
Dark Blue Therapeutics acquired by Amgen for up to $840 million, Dark Blue Therapeutics Via PR NewsWire, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dark-blue-therapeutics-acquired-by-amgen-for-up-to-840-million-302653960.html