Amgen buys a novel leukaemia target
Amgen has brought in a potential new mechanism for acute myeloid leukaemia, MLLT degradation, via Tuesday’s acquisition of Dark Blue Therapeutics. The private UK company has a small molecule MLLT1/3 degrader at the IND enabling stage, as well as earlier-stage inhibitors of ADAR1 and SMO. MLLT1 and 3 regulate the super elongation complex (SEC) that’s involved with gene transcription; cancers can hijack the SEC to upregulate the transcription of tumour drivers. According to Dark Blue, this approach has been validated by the success of menin inhibitors, as menin is also found in some SECs. The company presented preclinical data at ASH, noting that first-in-human trials in relapsed/refractory AML (including post-menin inhibitors) were planned for early 2026. There are no other projects against MLLT1 or 3 in development, according to OncologyPipeline. ADAR1 is slightly more popular, but only Aspera’s rebecsinib appears close to the clinic. There are several approved SMO inhibitors, but Dark Blue believes there could be room for safer alternatives. Amgen didn’t disclose the up-front price tag, but could spend up to $840m. The company also teamed up with Disco Pharmaceuticals on Wednesday, on an undisclosed cancer cell surface target in a deal worth up to $618m.
Dark Blue Therapeutics’ pipeline
| Project | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| MLLT1/3 degrader | IND-enabling | No other projects against MLLT1 or 3 in development |
| ADAR1 inhibitor | Lead optimisation | Most advanced ADAR1 inhibitor is Aspera’s rebecsinib (ph1 to start Apr 2026) |
| SMO inhibitor | Entering lead optimisation | Approved SMO inhibitors, eg Roche’s Erivedge for basal cell carcinoma |
Source: OncologyPipeline.
This story has been updated to include the Disco deal.
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