Last update on 2024-03-05

Amgen (AMGN) Explained

An Overview of AMGN: Its Business Strategy, Core Products, Major Competitors, and Essential Insights into its Role in the Drug Manufacturers - General Industry

Amgen is a leader in biotechnology-based human therapeutics, with historical expertise in renal disease and cancer supportive-care products. Flagship drugs include red blood cell boosters Epogen and Aranesp, immune system boosters Neupogen and Neulasta, and Enbrel and Otezla for inflammatory diseases. Amgen introduced its first cancer therapeutic, Vectibix, in 2006 and markets bone-strengthening drug Prolia/Xgeva (approved 2010) and Evenity (2019). The acquisition of Onyx bolstered the firms therapeutic oncology portfolio with Kyprolis. Recent launches include Repatha (cholesterol-lowering), Aimovig (migraine), Lumakras (lung cancer), and Tezspire (asthma). Amgens biosimilar portfolio includes Mvasi (biosimilar Avastin), Kanjinti (biosimilar Herceptin), and Amgevita (biosimilar Humira).

Current Business Strategy

Amgen's current strategy focuses on expanding their pipeline through strategic acquisitions and collaborations, investing in biotechnological innovation to create breakthrough therapies, and enhancing their market presence globally, particularly in emerging markets. This includes focusing on high-growth areas such as oncology, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory diseases, where their scientific expertise can address significant unmet medical needs.

Most known Products

Here is the list of the 5 most well-known products of Amgen (AMGN):

• Enbrel: Used to treat autoimmune diseases by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a substance involved in systemic inflammation.
• Neulasta: A colony-stimulating factor used to prevent infections in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy by increasing white blood cells.
• Prolia/Xgeva: A monoclonal antibody used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women (Prolia) and to prevent bone fractures and other skeletal conditions in cancers that have spread to the bone (Xgeva).
• Otezla: A small molecule inhibitor used for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by targeting an enzyme involved in inflammation.
• Repatha: A PCSK9 inhibitor used to lower LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Competitors

Here is the list of the main 5 competitors of Amgen (AMGN):

• GILD: Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a competitor due to its strong presence in the virology and oncology markets, areas where Amgen is also focusing its research and development efforts.
• BMY: Bristol Myers Squibb operates in similar therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and immunoscience, making it a direct competitor to Amgen.
• RHHBY: Roche Holding AG competes with Amgen, particularly in oncology and immunology. Roche’s extensive range of cancer treatments and diagnostic tools put them in direct competition.
• MRK: Merck & Co., Inc. is known for its strong pipeline in oncology, including blockbuster cancer treatments. Their focus on cancer research and immunotherapy competes with Amgen's similar strategic priorities.
• PFE: Pfizer Inc. has a broad portfolio that covers various therapeutic areas, including those where Amgen is active such as inflammation and oncology. Pfizer's global reach and extensive R&D in these areas make it a formidable competitor.