Amgen Acquires Dark Blue in $840 Million Deal to Pursue Innovative Leukemia Treatments

Amgen Acquires Dark Blue Therapeutics in Major Oncology Deal

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) has announced the acquisition of Dark Blue Therapeutics, a biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of targeted cancer treatments. The transaction could be worth as much as $840 million, factoring in both upfront payments and potential milestone achievements.

Significance of the Acquisition

Dark Blue Therapeutics' primary drug candidate, DBT 3757, is currently undergoing studies required for regulatory approval to begin clinical trials, with a focus on treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in blood-forming tissues such as bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells that can suppress the growth of healthy cells.

Dark Blue Therapeutics has received substantial backing from investors including Oxford Science Enterprises, Bristol Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE: BMY), and Evotec SE (NASDAQ: EVO).

Amgen plans to integrate Dark Blue Therapeutics into its research division, aiming to bolster its early-stage oncology research and development capabilities.

"This acquisition enhances our efforts in targeted protein degradation and leukemia therapies, supporting our commitment to invest early in innovative medicines for new therapeutic targets. Our expertise in cancer biology positions us to advance MLLT1/3-targeting drugs into clinical trials for patients with AML," stated Jay Bradner, Executive Vice President of Research and Development at Amgen.

Recent Developments at Amgen

In December 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval to Amgen’s Uplinza (inebilizumab-cdon) for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis, a rare neuromuscular disorder.

Stock Performance

AMGN Stock Update: As of Wednesday, Amgen shares had risen 2.89% to $339.71, nearing their 52-week high of $346.38.

Image credit: JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock

Key Investors and Stock Information

• Amgen Inc. (AMGN): $339.90 (+2.95%)
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (BMY): $56.01 (+2.92%)
• Evotec SE (EVO): $3.61 (+7.76%)