Amgen has built its Induced Proximity Platform to identify multispecific molecules that harness the power of cell biology by forming novel connections between natural effectors and targets. Combining this approach with Amgen's targeted protein degradation induced proximity research already underway has the potential to significantly expand the druggable genome.'īy integrating the capabilities of the two innovative discovery platforms from Amgen and Arrakis, the collaboration creates an opportunity to design and engineer targeted RNA degraders. 'The collaboration with Arrakis combines Amgen's induced proximity expertise in discovering multispecific molecules to target the biologic mechanisms of disease and Arrakis' pioneering discovery platform to predict RNA structures and identify small molecules that bind to them, significantly broadening the possibilities of addressing difficult protein targets considered undruggable because they may not have binding sites needed for conventional medicines. 'Targeted RNA degradation is an exciting area that is pushing the boundaries of drug discovery and design,' said Raymond Deshaies, Ph.D., senior vice president of Global Research at Amgen. Arrakis could potentially receive several billion dollars in future payments if all milestones are met and future program options are exercised. For each program, Arrakis will be eligible for additional payments from Amgen for preclinical, clinical, regulatory and sales milestones, and royalties up to low double digits. Amgen will pay $75 million upfront to Arrakis for five initial programs and will have the option to nominate additional programs.

Both parties will collaboratively design and functionalize these molecules to specifically degrade targeted RNAs, and Amgen will lead further preclinical and clinical development activities. Under the terms of the agreement, Arrakis will lead research activities for the identification of RNA-targeted small molecule (rSM) binders against a broad set of targets nominated by Amgen.

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