Amgen, formerly Applied Molecular Genetics Inc., is a leading biopharmaceutical company based in California. With approximately 24,000 employees worldwide, Amgen is known for its innovative products such as Enbrel and Neulasta.
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.
AMGen (Applied Molecular Genetics Inc.) is established in Thousand Oaks, California, on April 8, 1980, as the brainchild of venture capitalists William K. (Bill) Bowes and associates. With a staff of three, the Company occupies a shared building, now called “Building 1.
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.
In October 1988, Gordon Binder was appointed as the CEO of Amgen, succeeding George Rathmann.
On June 1, 1989, the FDA approves EPOGEN® (epoetin alfa) which is later named Product of the Year by Fortune magazine.
Amgen introduced biotechnology concepts in 1990.
On February 21, 1991, NEUPOGEN® (filgrastim) receives approval from the FDA.
On January 2, 1992, Amgen was included in the S&P 500 index, a significant milestone for the company's recognition and market presence.
In March 1993, Amgen inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Puerto Rico, which later became the company's primary manufacturing site.
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.
In 1997, Amgen opened its first manufacturing site in Europe, marking a significant expansion of its operations to the European market.
On November 2, 1998, the FDA approved Enbrel (etanercept), a significant milestone in the field of medicine.
In May 2000, Kevin Sharer assumed the role of CEO at Amgen, succeeding Gordon Binder.
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 2005, Amgen founded Breakaway from Cancer, a national initiative aimed at raising awareness about important health issues.
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.
On August 22, 2008, the FDA approved Nplate® (romiplostim), a medication.
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.
In March 2013, Amgen acquired Micromet, a company specializing in BiTE technology.
In May 2013, Kevin Sharer retired from Amgen, and Robert Bradway, the former president and COO, took over as CEO.
In June 2013, Amgen expanded its presence in Turkey and nearby areas by acquiring Mustafa Nevzat Pharmaceuticals.
In July 2013, Amgen acquired KAI Pharmaceuticals, the developer of Parsabiv (etelcalcetide).
In October 2013, Amgen acquired Onyx Pharmaceuticals, the developer of Kyprolis (carfilzomib).
In December 2013, Amgen acquired deCODE Genetics, an Iceland-based company.
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.
On December 10, 2020, Amgen joined OneTen, a coalition aiming to hire and advance one million black Americans over the next decade.
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 March 2021, Amgen announced the acquisition of Five Prime Therapeutics and its lead candidate bemarituzumab for $1.9 billion.
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.
In June 2021, Amgen and Kyowa Kirin announced joint plans to develop and commercialize a treatment for atopic dermatitis.
In July 2021, Amgen acquired Teneobio for $900 million.
In October 2021, Amgen and Neumora Therapeutics announced a partnership focused on developing precision therapies for certain brain diseases.
In November 2021, Amgen began constructing a new biomanufacturing plant in New Albany, Ohio.
In December 2021, the FDA approved Amgen and AstraZeneca's Tezspire for severe asthma.
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.