Amgen

Amgen
source
Name	Amgen
Foundation	8 April 1980
Founders	William K. Bowes Jr., George B. Rathmann, Winston J. Salser
Location	Thousand Oaks, California, U.S.
Key people	Robert A. Bradway (Chairman & CEO)
Industry	Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical industry
Products	Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, Monoclonal antibodies, Biosimilars
Revenue	▲ US$28.2 billion (2023)
Num employees	~26,200 (2023)

Amgen. It is one of the world's largest independent biotechnology companies, pioneering the development of innovative human therapeutics based on advances in recombinant DNA and molecular biology. Founded in 1980, the company has grown from a small startup to a global enterprise, with its headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California. Its mission focuses on serving patients by discovering, developing, manufacturing, and delivering innovative medicines for serious illnesses.

History

The company was incorporated on April 8, 1980, by venture capitalist William K. Bowes Jr., scientist George B. Rathmann, and academic Winston J. Salser. Its early years were fueled by venture capital from firms like Asset Management Company and a critical collaboration with the Japanese pharmaceutical company Kirin. The first major commercial success came with the 1989 approval of epoetin alfa (marketed as Epogen), a recombinant form of erythropoietin for treating anemia. This was followed by the 1991 approval of filgrastim (Neupogen), a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor to prevent neutropenia. A significant expansion occurred in 2002 with the acquisition of Immunex Corporation, bringing the blockbuster tumor necrosis factor inhibitor etanercept (Enbrel) into its portfolio. Further growth was driven by the 2013 acquisition of Onyx Pharmaceuticals, which added the multiple myeloma drug carfilzomib (Kyprolis).

Products and pipeline

The company markets a portfolio of significant medicines across several therapeutic areas. Key products include the erythropoiesis-stimulating agents Epogen and Aranesp, the granulocyte colony-stimulating factors Neupogen and Neulasta, and the monoclonal antibody denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva) for osteoporosis and bone metastases. Its inflammatory disease franchise is anchored by Enbrel. The oncology portfolio includes Kyprolis, blinatumomab (Blincyto) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and the KRAS inhibitor sotorasib (Lumakras). The company has also developed a range of biosimilars, including versions of adalimumab (Amjevita) and bevacizumab (Mvasi). Its pipeline focuses on novel candidates in oncology, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and neuroscience.

Research and development

Research efforts are centered on leveraging advanced technologies to address unmet medical needs. Key areas of focus include oncology, with investigations into bispecific T-cell engagers like teclistamumab and AMG 510; cardiometabolic diseases, exploring targets like PCSK9; and inflammation, with programs in atopic dermatitis and asthma. The company operates major research facilities in South San Francisco, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Thousand Oaks, California. It maintains numerous strategic collaborations with academic institutions, such as the Broad Institute and Harvard University, and other biotechnology firms to access novel platforms and targets. A significant investment is made in biomanufacturing innovation to produce complex biological medicines.

Corporate affairs

The company is led by Chairman and CEO Robert A. Bradway, a former Morgan Stanley banker who joined in 2006. It is a constituent of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the NASDAQ-100 index. Its global commercial footprint spans approximately 100 countries, with major operations in regions including the European Union, Japan, and Latin America. Manufacturing is conducted at large-scale facilities in locations such as Puerto Rico, Ireland, and Singapore. The Amgen Foundation is its primary philanthropic arm, supporting science education and community health initiatives. The company's corporate strategy has increasingly emphasized external innovation through acquisitions and partnerships.

Controversies and legal issues

The company has faced significant legal and regulatory challenges. It was involved in high-profile litigation with Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Biotech over the marketing of epoetin alfa, resulting in a substantial settlement. Its marketing practices for Aranesp and Enbrel have been scrutinized by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, leading to corporate integrity agreements. The safety profiles of its erythropoiesis-stimulating agents have been the subject of FDA black box warnings regarding cardiovascular risks and tumor progression. It has also engaged in extensive patent litigation to protect key products like Enbrel and Neulasta from biosimilar competition, drawing attention from policymakers and generic drug advocates.

Category:Biotechnology companies of the United States Category:Companies listed on the NASDAQ Category:Pharmaceutical companies established in 1980