Amgen has further demonstrated its commitment to oncology by acquiring the biological vaccine developer BioVex for up to US$1 B. The acquisition will give Amgen its first cancer-specific immune therapeutic OncoVEXGM-CSF, an oncolytic vaccine that is in Phase III development for metastatic melanoma and head and neck cancer. Amgen has agreed to pay US$425 M in cash upon closing and up to US$575 M upon the achievement of certain regulatory and sales milestones. The Boards of both companies have approved the transaction.