In a bid to bolster its inflammatory disease portfolio, Amgen has agreed to partner with Kyowa Kirin to develop and commercialise the latter’s Phase III-ready asset, KHK4083. The deal, which is worth up to US$1.25 B, builds on the long-term alliance between the two companies that was established in 1984 when the companies formed a 50-50 joint venture called Kirin-Amgen. Interestingly, the latest deal comes three months after Kirin announced positive Phase II data for KHK4083 in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.