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Amgen
> Introduction to Amgen

 What is the history of Amgen and how did it come into existence?

Amgen, a leading biotechnology company, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1980. The company was established by two visionary scientists, Dr. George Rathmann and Dr. Joseph Rubinfeld, with the goal of using the emerging field of biotechnology to develop innovative therapeutics for patients suffering from serious illnesses.

The story of Amgen begins with Dr. Rathmann, a highly respected scientist and entrepreneur who had previously played a key role in the development of recombinant DNA technology at the renowned biotechnology company, Genentech. Dr. Rathmann recognized the immense potential of this technology and sought to create a company that would focus on using it to develop groundbreaking medical treatments.

In 1980, Dr. Rathmann joined forces with Dr. Rubinfeld, another prominent scientist who had extensive experience in the biotechnology industry. Together, they founded Amgen (originally named Applied Molecular Genetics Inc.) in Thousand Oaks, California. The company's initial capital was raised through a combination of venture capital investments and public financing.

Amgen's early years were marked by significant scientific breakthroughs and rapid growth. One of the company's first major achievements came in 1983 when it became the first to successfully clone and express the gene for erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. This groundbreaking achievement laid the foundation for the development of Epogen®, a recombinant human EPO that revolutionized the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease and cancer chemotherapy.

Building on this success, Amgen continued to expand its research and development efforts, focusing on other areas of unmet medical need. In 1987, the company received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Neupogen®, a recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) used to reduce the risk of infection in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Amgen further solidified its position as a leader in biotechnology by bringing several other innovative therapies to market. These included Aranesp®, a long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agent for the treatment of anemia, and Enbrel®, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

In addition to its focus on research and development, Amgen also pursued strategic collaborations and acquisitions to enhance its capabilities and expand its product portfolio. Notable acquisitions include the purchase of Immunex Corporation in 2002, which brought Enbrel® into Amgen's portfolio, and the acquisition of Onyx Pharmaceuticals in 2013, which added Kyprolis®, a treatment for multiple myeloma, to the company's offerings.

Over the years, Amgen has continued to innovate and develop new therapies across a wide range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiovascular disease, and neuroscience. The company's commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centric innovation has earned it a reputation as a pioneer in the biotechnology industry.

Today, Amgen is a global biopharmaceutical company with a diverse pipeline of investigational drugs and a presence in more than 100 countries. The company remains dedicated to its mission of unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses, and its contributions to the field of biotechnology have had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals worldwide.

 Who were the founders of Amgen and what motivated them to start the company?

 What is the mission and vision of Amgen as a corporation?

 How has Amgen evolved and grown since its inception?

 What are some key milestones and achievements in Amgen's history?

 What are the core values and guiding principles that Amgen follows?

 How does Amgen contribute to the field of biotechnology and medical research?

 What are the primary areas of focus for Amgen's research and development efforts?

 How does Amgen collaborate with other organizations and institutions in the healthcare industry?

 What is Amgen's approach to innovation and how does it drive its competitive advantage?

 How does Amgen ensure the safety and efficacy of its products?

 What is the organizational structure of Amgen and how does it operate globally?

 How does Amgen prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility in its operations?

 What is Amgen's approach to corporate social responsibility and philanthropy?

 How does Amgen engage with patients, healthcare professionals, and the broader community?

 What are some challenges and opportunities that Amgen faces in the current healthcare landscape?

 How does Amgen navigate regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements?

 What is the financial performance and market position of Amgen?

 How does Amgen attract and retain top talent in the biotechnology industry?

 What are some future prospects and goals for Amgen as a leading biopharmaceutical company?

Next:  History of Amgen

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