Amgen to Appeal CHMP Opinion on Vectibix(TM) (Panitumumab)



    Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today issued the following statement:

    Amgen has received notice from the European Medicines Agency
    (EMEA) that the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human
    Use (CHMP) has adopted a negative opinion for Amgen's marketing
    authorization application (MAA) for Vectibix(TM) (panitumumab) for
    patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who have failed
    chemotherapy.

    In accordance with European regulations, Amgen intends to request
    re-examination of the CHMP opinion through the appeal procedure.
    Notwithstanding the CHMP's initial view, Amgen is confident that the
    available data demonstrates that Vectibix improves progression-free
    survival (PFS) for mCRC patients who have progressed on, or following
    fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-containing
    chemotherapy regimens.

    Vectibix is the first fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibody (MAb)
    that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr), a protein
    that plays an important role in cancer cell signalling, a well
    validated target in oncology. Vectibix was approved by the United
    States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2006. The FDA
    approval of Vectibix was based on a progression-free survival
    endpoint.

    About Vectibix

    Vectibix is indicated in the United States for the treatment of
    patients with epidermal growth factor receptor- (EGFr) expressing
    metastatic colorectal cancer after disease progression on or following
    fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan- containing
    chemotherapy regimens. The effectiveness of Vectibix for the treatment
    of EGFr-expressing, metastatic colorectal carcinoma is based on
    progression-free survival. Currently no data are available that
    demonstrate an improvement in disease-related symptoms or increased
    survival with Vectibix.

    Important Product Safety Information

    Dermatologic toxicities, related to Vectibix blockade of EGF
    binding and subsequent inhibition of EGF receptor-mediated signaling
    pathways, included but were not limited to dermatitis acneiform,
    pruritus, erythema, rash, skin exfoliation, paronychia, dry skin, and
    skin fissures. Dermatologic toxicities were reported in 89 percent of
    patients treated with Vectibix and were severe in 12 percent of
    patients. Severe dermatologic toxicities were complicated by
    infection, including sepsis, septic death, and abscesses requiring
    incisions and drainage. Vectibix may need to be withheld or
    discontinued for severe dermatologic toxicities.

    Severe infusion reactions occurred with Vectibix in approximately
    1 percent of patients. Severe infusion reactions were identified as
    anaphylactic reactions, bronchospasm, fever, chills, and hypotension.
    Although fatal infusion reactions have not been reported with
    Vectibix, they have occurred with other monoclonal antibody products.
    Severe infusion reactions require stopping the infusion and possibly
    permanently discontinuing Vectibix, depending on the severity and/or
    persistence of the reaction.

    About Amgen

    Amgen discovers, develops and delivers innovative human
    therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the
    first companies to realize the new science's promise by bringing safe
    and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient.
    Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping
    millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer,
    kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious illnesses.
    With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen
    remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve
    people's lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and vital
    medicines, visit www.amgen.com.

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