Amgen

In the early years of AMGen, scientists worked on diverse projects such as creating organisms for oil extraction, accelerating chicken growth, producing specialty chemicals, cloning luciferase, and developing a method for indigo dye production in E. coli. Their success in producing indigo dye in bacteria earned them a cover feature in Science magazine.

On April 8, 1980, Amgen submitted its articles of incorporation under the name Applied Molecular Genetics, Inc. The company had ambitions beyond California.

In 1981, Amgen started its operations in Thousand Oaks, California, in close proximity to thriving research centers at nearby universities. It had an impressive scientific advisory board and a visionary CEO, George B. Rathmann.

In 1982, Amgen conducts early experiments under the leadership of George B. Rathmann. These experiments mark the beginning of the company's scientific endeavors and technological advancements.

On June 17, 1983, Amgen's Initial Public Offering (IPO) raised nearly $40 million, marking a significant milestone in the company's financial history.

In June 1984, Amgen and Kirin established a joint venture, granting Kirin the rights to Epogen in Japan.

Amgen obtained the initial patent in the United States for the production of recombinant erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. This marked a significant milestone in the field of biotechnology.

On June 1, 1989, the FDA approves EPOGEN® (epoetin alfa) which is later named Product of the Year by Fortune magazine.

On February 21, 1991, NEUPOGEN® (filgrastim) receives approval from the FDA.

On January 2, 1992, Amgen is included in the S&P 500 index, signifying its growing prominence in the stock market.

In 1994, Amgen became the first biotech company to receive the U.S. Department of Commerce National Medal of Technology, an award equivalent to the Nobel Prize. The recognition was for their groundbreaking work in developing cost-effective therapeutics using advancements in cellular and molecular biology.

In 1995, scientists at Amgen identified and cloned osteoprotegerin (OPG), which was later found to act as a decoy receptor for RANK ligand. This discovery laid the foundation for the development of denosumab.

Amgen subsidiary deCODE Genetics was established in 1996 to delve into human genetics and enhance the understanding of molecular roots of diseases.

On November 2, 1998, the FDA approved Enbrel (etanercept), a significant milestone in the field of medicine.

On September 17, 2001, the FDA approves Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa), a medication developed by Amgen.

On January 31, 2002, the FDA approved Neulasta (pegfilgrastim), a medication used to reduce the risk of infection in patients undergoing cancer treatment.

On March 8, 2004, the FDA approved Sensipar (cinacalcet), a medication used to treat hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease.

In April 2006, Amgen acquired Abgenix, the developer of Vectibix (panitumumab), a treatment for certain patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Subsequently, Vectibix received FDA approval in September 2006.

In 2007, the Amgen Foundation, in partnership with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), initiates the Amgen Scholars program. This program aims to offer undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research experiences and gain exposure to biotechnology and drug discovery at leading institutions worldwide.

In 2009, Nplate® (romiplostim) was honored with the 'Best Biotechnology Product' award by Prix Galien.

On June 6, 2010, Amgen obtained FDA approval for Prolia, a protein drug for post-menopausal osteoporosis treatment. Additionally, in November 2010, Xgeva was approved by the FDA for preventing complications of bone metastases in patients with solid tumors.

In March 2011, Amgen acquired a manufacturing facility near Dublin, Ireland.

In May 2011, Amgen acquired BioVex, the developer of Imlygic (talimogene laherparepvec).

In December 2011, Amgen and Watson Pharmaceuticals announced a collaboration to develop and commercialize several biosimilar medicines worldwide.

On December 18, 2012, Amgen pleaded guilty to illegal marketing practices, agreeing to pay significant penalties to resolve related complaints. The company was accused of pursuing profits at the expense of patient safety.

On December 3, 2014, BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) was approved by the FDA.

IMLYGIC™ (talimogene laherparepvec) is approved by the FDA on October 27, 2015.

On July 11, 2016, the Repatha® (evolocumab) Pusthronex™ system, which includes an on-body infusor with a prefilled cartridge, is granted approval.

On September 23, 2016, AMJEVITA™ (Adalimumab-Atto) became Amgen's first biosimilar to receive regulatory approval, showcasing the company's innovation in the biopharmaceutical sector.

On November 11, 2017, Amgen introduced the ENBREL Mini™ single-dose prefilled cartridge with AutoTouch™ Reusable Autoinjector, specially designed for patient convenience.

In May 2018, Aimovig™ (erenumaab-aooe) received approval from the FDA for its medical usage.

EVENITY™ (romosozumab-aqqg) receives the green light from the FDA on April 9, 2019.

On November 21, 2019, Amgen successfully completed the acquisition of Otezla® (apremilast), expanding its product portfolio and market presence.

On January 2, 2020, Amgen announces a strategic collaboration with BeiGene to expand its oncology presence in China.

In August 2020, Amgen became a part of the prestigious Dow Jones Industrial Average, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth and success.

Amgen reported a total of 243 Kt of CO2e emissions for the twelve months ending December 31, 2020, with a decrease of 6 /-2.4% year-on-year. The company aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2027.

In May 2021, the FDA granted accelerated approval to sotorasib for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with a KRAS G12C mutation who had received prior systemic therapy. This marked the first approved targeted therapy for tumors with any KRAS mutation.

Amgen established a patent thicket around its leading drug over a span of three decades, securing a monopoly in the market. This strategic move has significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry.

The expected launch date for Amjevita is set for January 31, 2023.

Samsung Bioepis and Organon plan to launch Hadlima on June 30, 2023.

Boehringer Ingelheim is scheduled to launch Cyltezo on July 1, 2023.