Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN), a global biopharmaceutical company, recently finalized its acquisition of Dark Blue Therapeutics, a biotechnology firm specializing in precision oncology drug discovery and development. The acquisition deal is valued at as much as $840 million, which encompasses both an upfront payment and potential milestone-based future considerations tied to clinical and regulatory success.
This strategic transaction is centered on Dark Blue Therapeutics' leading asset known as DBT 3757, which is undergoing investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies. This candidate therapy specifically targets two major forms of leukemia: acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Leukemia is characterized as a malignancy originating from bone marrow and other blood-forming tissues, resulting in an excessive proliferation of abnormal white blood cells. This unchecked cell growth interferes with normal blood cell functions and can severely compromise health.
Dark Blue Therapeutics had attracted considerable backing from credible investors within the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors prior to acquisition. Notable financial support came from Oxford Science Enterprises, Bristol Myers Squibb Co (NYSE: BMY), and Evotec SE (NASDAQ: EVO), reflecting confidence in Dark Blue's technological platform and therapeutic focus areas.
In a corporate statement, Jay Bradner, Amgen’s Executive Vice President of Research and Development, articulated the strategic rationale for the acquisition. He emphasized that incorporating Dark Blue’s innovative platform would extend Amgen's research capabilities in the arena of targeted protein degradation and advance its efforts in leukemia drug development. Bradner noted that this approach aligns with Amgen’s broader strategy of early investment in promising therapeutics designed to address novel biological targets. The integration of Dark Blue’s programs is anticipated to accelerate clinical investigations for medicines targeting MLLT1/3 proteins, which are implicated in aggressive forms of AML.
This acquisition complements Amgen’s existing oncology portfolio by introducing new modalities that harness precise molecular targeting mechanisms, potentially offering therapeutic advantages for patients suffering from these hematologic cancers—conditions historically difficult to treat effectively.
Separately, Amgen has recently secured FDA approval for Uplinza (inebilizumab-cdon), a drug indicated for generalized myasthenia gravis. This approval, granted in December 2025, complements the company’s track record in developing transformative therapies for complex diseases.
Following the announcement of the acquisition, Amgen’s shares experienced positive market movement. At the time of publication, the stock was trading at $339.71, representing an increase of approximately 2.89%. This price was approaching the company’s 52-week high of $346.38, suggesting investor optimism surrounding the company’s expanding oncology pipeline and strategic growth initiatives.
The integration of Dark Blue’s innovative platform is expected to occur within Amgen’s established research infrastructure, reinforcing its commitment to early-stage drug discovery and development in oncology. By combining resources and expertise, Amgen aims to enhance its capacity to deliver cutting-edge leukemia treatments to the market, addressing significant unmet medical needs.