- AmMax Bio and Lonza have entered a non-exclusive licensing agreement that gives AmMax access to Lonza’s exatecan-based SYNtecan™ linker-payload platform for its ADC candidate AMB-104.
- AmMax plans to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for AMB-104, which targets acute myeloid leukemia, in early 2027.
AmMax Bio, Inc. and Lonza have announced a non-exclusive licensing agreement supporting the development of AMB-104, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) being developed for hematological cancers. Under the agreement, AmMax will gain access to Lonza’s exatecan-based SYNtecan™ linker-payload platform, while Lonza will manufacture components related to the licensed technologies.
According to the companies, AMB-104 combines Lonza’s conjugation and linker-payload technologies with AmMax’s clinically validated monoclonal antibody to deliver a tumor-targeted cytotoxic payload. The candidate is being developed to address venetoclax/azacitidine resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by directly targeting and killing monocytic AML cells.
As part of the collaboration, Lonza will provide manufacturing support for components associated with the licensed technology platform. AmMax will retain responsibility for the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of AMB-104. Lonza, through one of its affiliated companies, may receive upfront payments, milestone payments, and royalties on future net sales of products resulting from the agreement.
“The continued evolution of the ADC landscape underscores the demand for robust, differentiated technologies that unlock the differentiated therapeutic potential of novel ADCs.”
Jan Vertommen, Vice President, Commercial Development, Advanced Synthesis, Lonza
AmMax said it plans to submit an IND application for AMB-104 in early 2027. The agreement supports the company’s efforts to advance its oncology pipeline while leveraging Lonza’s CDMO capabilities and ADC technology platform to support future clinical development.
