Proteolix, Inc. to be Acquired By Onyx Pharm...( SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO Calif. Oct. 12 /-...),Health

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Proteolix, Inc. today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ONXX). Proteolix is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel therapies that target the proteasome for the treatment of hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Proteolix's lead compound, carfilzomib, is a proteasome inhibitor currently in multiple clinical trials, including an advanced Phase 2b clinical trial for patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.

"Proteolix has succeeded in pioneering a new class of potent proteasome inhibitors, as demonstrated by the promising data achieved in multiple studies of our lead candidate, carfilzomib. We believe Onyx truly shares our vision for carfilzomib as an important new therapy in oncology and recognizes Proteolix's scientific leadership in proteasome inhibition," said John A. Scarlett, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Proteolix. "Onyx's proven track record and commercial resources in oncology are impressive. We are excited to join forces and together we are poised to advance carfilzomib through regulatory approval and achieve our ultimate objective of helping patients."

Under the terms of the transaction, Onyx will make a $276 million cash payment upon closing of the transaction. Additional payments include $40 million payable in 2010 based on the achievement of a development milestone and up to $535 million contingent upon the achievement of anticipated approvals for carfilzomib in the U.S. and Europe. Of the potential $535 million, a payment of $170 million is based upon the achievement of accelerated U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2009, subject to the receipt of clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and customary closing conditions.

Prot
'/>"/>