Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) announced today that the Prime Minister Rt Hon
Tony Blair MP opened Amgen's new European Development Centre in
Uxbridge, London. The centre can accommodate more than 300 new staff
and forms a key part of a significant Research & Development (R&D)
investment in the UK by Amgen.
Amgen's biotechnology medicines have already improved the lives of
millions of patients worldwide suffering from cancer, kidney disease
and other serious illnesses. As of the end of 2006, nearly 41,000
patients in 39 countries were enrolled in Amgen clinical trials.
Uxbridge, together with Amgen's expanded Cambridge, UK facilities,
will support the company's largest ever international clinical trial
programme. In 2007, Amgen expects that approximately 55,000 patients
will be enrolled in more than 250 clinical studies worldwide. More
than half of those studies will be coordinated by UK-based R&D staff
across 31 European countries.
Commenting on his opening of the European Development Centre in
Uxbridge, the Prime Minister said, "I am delighted that Amgen has
chosen to locate its European Development Centre in the UK. The UK
biotech industry is second only to the United States, and we lead
Europe in this sector. Amgen's decision to locate here is another
strong endorsement of our economy and our first-class research base.
"This move will further strengthen our world leading capabilities
in this area by providing highly skilled new jobs and delivering long
term benefits for patients and for the National Health Service."
"Uxbridge represents Amgen's largest R&D investment outside the
United States," said Amgen's senior vice president and international
chief medical officer, Willard Dere, M.D. "This investment confirms
the UK's position as a major worldwide scientific hub for the company.
We chose London because of its excellent reputation for clinical
research and pool of highly qualified and talented scientists."
Amgen's global R&D expansion is being driven by its robust
pipeline. With over 45 molecules in development and an annual R&D
budget of more than U.S. $3 billion, Amgen remains focused on the
promise of meeting unmet medical needs for patients with serious
illness. For example, Amgen recently won approval to market a new
treatment for colorectal cancer in the U.S. In addition, Amgen is
testing a potential treatment for a range of conditions including
post-menopausal osteoporosis and cancer related bone disease.
"Amgen's mission is to serve patients, and Uxbridge has a vital
role to play in ensuring the company fulfills this mission," Dere
said.
The official opening of the new facility by the Prime Minister
demonstrates the UK Government's commitment to attracting more R&D
investment with the aim of making the UK a world leader in
biotechnology.
Jeremy Haigh, Ph.D., vice president and international chief
operating officer, Research and Development, Amgen, said, "The UK has
a deserved reputation for scientific excellence and we are proud to be
investing in the UK in this way. The talent is undoubtedly here, but
it is vitally important that industry and Government work together to
ensure that the supply of skills is responsive to the demands of the
sector in the future."
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 our
vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com.
