By Stephen Nakrosis 



  Amgen Inc. on Monday said it was supporting further study of AMG 634 for the treatment of tuberculosis and erythema nodosum leprosum, which is a type of leprosy. 


  Amgen acquired AMG 634 when it purchased Otezla from Celgene in 2019. 


  "AMG 634 could have potential for patients suffering from ENL and TB, two diseases that continue to challenge many countries around the world," said David M. Reese, executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. "We believe that the right organization focused on global health will be able to help further develop the molecule and get it directly into the hands of those patients in need of treatment options." 


  Amgen said AMG 634 is currently in a Phase 2 tuberculosis study led by The Aurum Institute NPC and a Phase 2 leprosy study led by The Leprosy Mission Nepal. 


  Amgen said it will support the two Phase 2 trials by providing the study drug, it is interested in partnering with a non-government organization for further development. 


  --Write to Stephen Nakrosis at stephen.nakrosis@wsj.com