AmMax Bio, Inc., a private clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing an innovative portfolio of antibody-drug conjugates in oncology, and Lonza, the world’s leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced a non-exclusive licensing agreement. AmMax has engineered AMB-104 that combines Lonza’s technologies with its clinically-validated monoclonal antibody to deliver a tumor-targeted cytotoxic payload for treating hematological cancers.

AMB-104 provides a unique solution to address venetoclax/azacitidine resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It acts to directly kill the monocytic AML cells via the delivery of a cytotoxic payload. AmMax plans to submit an IND in early 2027.

Under the terms of the agreement, AmMax will gain access to the exatecan-based SYNtecan™ linker-payload platform, a clinically-validated platform designed to enhance ADC tolerability and efficacy. Lonza will provide manufacturing of components that are related to the licensed technologies, while AmMax will be responsible for the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the ADC. Lonza,  through one of its affiliated companies, will be eligible to receive upfront, potential milestone payments and royalty payments on net sales of resulting products.

Jan Vertommen, Vice President, Commercial Development, Advanced Synthesis, Lonza, commented: “The continued evolution of the ADC landscape underscores the demand for robust, differentiated technologies that unlock the differentiated therapeutic potential of novel ADCs. Our collaboration with AmMax reflects this market development, and we are pleased to support their program across the development phases.”

Larry Hsu, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AmMax, added: “This licensing agreement marks a significant milestone in our efforts to address critical unmet needs in oncology. We are excited to leverage Lonza’s validated conjugation and linker-payload technologies with our monoclonal antibody to optimize the therapeutic potential of AMB-104. We look forward to advancing AMB-104 through clinical trials and benefit patients with significant unmet medical needs.”