Chuckwalla

Chuckwalla Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of small molecule inhibitors for difficult-to-drug oncology targets. The company was founded by Dr. Kevan Shokat, a pioneer in the field of covalent inhibitors who famously discovered the first small molecule to target KRAS. Chuckwalla's primary focus is on developing next-generation KRAS inhibitors, including those targeting the G12D mutation, to address unmet needs in solid tumors such as colorectal and pancreatic cancers. In April 2024, Amgen acquired the company for $167 million in upfront cash plus additional milestone payments to strengthen its leadership in KRAS-driven oncology. The acquisition integrates Chuckwalla’s innovative chemical proteomic approaches into Amgen’s broader research and development pipeline.