Ambit secures Astellas as partner for FLT3 kinase inhibitors

Ambit Biosciences has secured Astellas Pharma as a strategic partner for its lead product, AC220, which is in Phase II studies in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Under the agreement, Astellas will jointly develop and commercialise other FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) inhibitors with the privately owned San Diego-based biotech firm.