Amgen and GlaxoSmithKline entered into a collaboration under which the companies will share commercialization of Amgen’s monoclonal antibody denosumab for postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico, once approved in these countries. Amgen will commercialize the drug for PMO and oncology in the U.S. and Canada and for all oncology indications in Europe and specified markets.

GSK will register and commercialize denosumab for all indications in China, Brazil, India and South Korea. Under the collaboration, Amgen has the option to expand its role in commercialization in both Europe and certain emerging markets in the future. Amgen will receive an initial payment and near-term commercial milestones totaling $120 million, and ongoing royalties. In Europe, the two companies will share profits and in emerging markets. GSK will be responsible for commercialization expenses and will purchase denosumab from Amgen to meet demand.

“Our collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline will help Amgen bring the promise of denosumab to patients in Europe and other parts of the world more effectively than if we commercialized the drug globally on our own,” said Amgen chief executive officer, Kevin Sharer. “Amgen and GlaxoSmithKline together are uniquely positioned to help medical providers and patients understand the clinical promise and economic value of denosumab.”

“This pioneering treatment that Amgen has developed will be a strong addition to our biopharmaceuticals portfolio,” commented Andrew Witty, chief executive officer of GlaxoSmithKline. “The data for denosumab is very encouraging and we believe it will provide significant benefit and value to patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis and other bone disease conditions. Together with Amgen we are committed to increasing worldwide access to this medicine.”

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