Amgen Details Oncology R&D Push, IMDELLTRA Expansion and LUMAKRAS Updates

Biotech giant outlines strategy focused on T-cell engagers and precision small molecules for hard-to-treat cancers

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Amgen executives outlined the company's oncology research and development priorities, including a focus on T-cell engagers and precision small molecule therapies for difficult-to-treat solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. They provided updates on the commercial rollout and expansion plans for IMDELLTRA in small cell lung cancer, as well as progress with LUMAKRAS in non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer.

Why it matters

Amgen's oncology pipeline represents a key growth driver for the company, as it seeks to develop innovative therapies for cancers with significant unmet medical needs. The updates highlight Amgen's strategic shift towards more differentiated and transformative treatments, rather than incremental advances, as it aims to make an impact in hard-to-treat tumor types.

The details

Amgen's oncology strategy centers on two key modalities: T-cell engagers and precision small molecule therapies. On T-cell engagers, the company highlighted its experience and leadership in this area, noting it is the only one with an approved T-cell engager in both a hematologic malignancy and a solid tumor. Amgen is now looking to expand T-cell engagers into more common solid tumors. For small molecules, Amgen touted its chemistry capabilities and focus on difficult targets like KRAS and PRMT5. The company is also selectively diversifying into other modalities like antibody-drug conjugates, leveraging its strengths in biologics and chemistry. Regarding specific programs, Amgen provided updates on the commercial rollout and expansion plans for IMDELLTRA in small cell lung cancer, as well as progress with LUMAKRAS in non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. This includes multiple ongoing phase III trials for IMDELLTRA in first-line and limited-stage small cell lung cancer, as well as combination studies of LUMAKRAS in earlier lines of therapy.

  • Amgen received full U.S. approval for IMDELLTRA in second-line or later small cell lung cancer in 2025.
  • Amgen has launched multiple phase III trials for IMDELLTRA after observing compelling activity in earlier studies.

The players

Amgen

A global biotechnology company that focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering human therapeutics to address serious illnesses.

Jean-Charles Soria

Senior vice president of global development in oncology at Amgen.

Casey Capparelli

Investor relations representative at Amgen.

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What they’re saying

“Amgen's framework emphasizes 'differentiated and transformative therapies' rather than 'marginal benefit,' with a focus on hard-to-treat solid tumors and selected hematologic malignancies.”

— Jean-Charles Soria, Senior vice president of global development in oncology (Citi's Virtual Oncology Leadership Summit)

“Amgen has invested in T-cell engagers for decades and described the company as the only one with a T-cell engager approved in both a hematologic malignancy and a solid tumor, adding that expanding T-cell engagers into more common solid tumors is an important frontier.”

— Jean-Charles Soria, Senior vice president of global development in oncology (Citi's Virtual Oncology Leadership Summit)

What’s next

Amgen plans to continue advancing its oncology pipeline, with multiple ongoing phase III trials for IMDELLTRA in first-line and limited-stage small cell lung cancer, as well as combination studies of LUMAKRAS in earlier lines of therapy for non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer.

The takeaway

Amgen's strategic focus on developing differentiated and transformative oncology therapies, particularly in hard-to-treat solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, highlights the company's commitment to addressing significant unmet medical needs in the cancer space. The updates on IMDELLTRA and LUMAKRAS demonstrate Amgen's progress in translating its research and development efforts into tangible clinical and commercial advancements.