Amgen Completes Acquisition of Avidia
Acquisition Of A Clinical Stage IL-6 Compound And Novel Avimer(TM) Protein Platform
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 24, 2006--Amgen
(NASDAQ:AMGN), today announced the completion of the acquisition of
Avidia, a privately held biopharmaceutical company that discovers and
develops a new class of human therapeutic known as Avimer(TM)
proteins. The transaction provides Amgen with Avidia's lead product
candidate, an inhibitor of interleukin 6 (IL-6) for the treatment of
inflammation and autoimmune diseases, which is in Phase 1 clinical
trials. The acquisition was initially announced on Sept. 29.
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 broad and deep 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.
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CONTACT: Amgen
David Polk, 805-447-4613 (media)
Arvind Sood, 805-447-1060 (investors)
SOURCE: Amgen