Amgen signs two cardiovascular deals with Arrowhead

US biotech major Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) has announced two license and collaboration agreements with Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ARWR) to develop and commercialize RNA interference (RNAi) therapies for cardiovascular disease.

These are the first programs to utilize Arrowhead's proprietary subcutaneous RNAi delivery platform. RNAi molecules may be designed to target and shut down specific gene products that contribute to various diseases. Arrowhead’s shares rose as much as 15% to $8.09 in early trading.

Under one accord, Amgen receives a worldwide, exclusive license to Arrowhead's novel, RNAi ARC-LPA program. These RNAi molecules are designed to reduce elevated lipoprotein(a), which is a genetically validated, independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Under the second agreement, Amgen receives an option to a worldwide, exclusive license for an RNAi therapy for an undisclosed genetically validated cardiovascular target. In both agreements, Amgen will be wholly responsible for clinical development and commercialization.