Amgen

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  Amgen

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  Amgen Headquarters

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  Amgen Logo

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  Macri at Amgen

Amgen

Amgen Inc. is an American multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California. It is one of the world's largest independent biotechnology firms. Amgen is known for its focus on developing innovative therapies based on advances in cellular and molecular biology.

History

Amgen was founded in 1980 as Applied Molecular Genetics, Inc. The company was established to capitalize on the emerging field of recombinant DNA technology. In 1983, the company changed its name to Amgen, which is a portmanteau of "Applied Molecular Genetics."

Amgen's first major breakthrough came with the development of epoetin alfa, marketed as Epogen, which stimulates the production of red blood cells. This product was approved by the FDA in 1989 and became a significant revenue driver for the company.

Products

Amgen's product portfolio includes a range of biologic and small molecule drugs. Some of the key products include:

• Epogen (epoetin alfa): A recombinant human erythropoietin used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease and chemotherapy.
• Neupogen (filgrastim): A granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) that stimulates the production of white blood cells and is used to reduce the risk of infection in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• Neulasta (pegfilgrastim): A long-acting form of filgrastim used for similar indications as Neupogen.
• Enbrel (etanercept): A tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
• Prolia (denosumab): A monoclonal antibody used to treat osteoporosis and bone loss.
• Xgeva (denosumab): Used to prevent skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors.

Research and Development

Amgen invests heavily in R&D to discover and develop new therapies. The company's research efforts focus on areas such as oncology, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, bone health, nephrology, and neuroscience.

Amgen has a robust pipeline of investigational drugs in various stages of clinical trials. The company employs advanced technologies such as human genetics to identify and validate drug targets.

Corporate Structure

Amgen operates globally with facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol AMGN.

Amgen's corporate structure includes various departments such as R&D, manufacturing, marketing, and sales. The company emphasizes a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Environmental and Social Responsibility

Amgen is committed to CSR and sustainability. The company has initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint, including efforts to decrease energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Amgen also engages in philanthropic activities through the Amgen Foundation, which supports science education, community health, and local community development.

Related Pages

• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Biopharmaceutical
• Recombinant DNA
• Monoclonal antibody