FDA grants fast-track designation to AMG 706, an investigational anti-cancer therapy, and AMG 531, a potential treatment for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (a bleeding disorder).

Amgen acquires South San Francisco-based Tularik Inc., a pioneer in drug discovery related to cell signaling and the control of gene expression.

Helix, a state-of-the-art biotechnology research campus, opens at Amgen's Seattle site.

Amgen launches Amgen Ventures, a $100 million venture capital fund that invests in early-stage human therapeutics and biotechnology companies.

The company continues to advance major expansions of its manufacturing facilities in Puerto Rico and Rhode Island, on schedule.

The Amgen Foundation gives more than $16 million to advance science education, improve quality of care and access for patients, and support vital community resources. The company gives $125 million in product donations and tens of millions in corporate cash giving. The Amgen Foundation expands by launching a giving program in Puerto Rico.

In the wake of the devastating tsunami that struck southern Asia on December 26, Amgen makes a $1.25 million cash donation to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the Amgen Foundation provides a dollar-for-dollar match for contributions made by staff.

Amgen is named "Company of the Year" by Forbes, which reports that "Amgen is on the verge of a research renaissance."

Amgen is again included in Fortune's "Best Companies to Work For" list and in Science magazine's annual survey of top employers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, Amgen is chosen by The Scientist as one of the "Best Places to Work in Industry."