Amgen, a leading pharmaceutical company, is facing upcoming patent losses that are expected to have a significant impact on its revenue. Despite this challenge, the company reported a strong 2024 with revenue increasing by 19% to $33.4 billion. However, Amgen is losing exclusivity for key products such as Otezla and Enbrel, which generated over $1.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 alone.
To counter these losses, Amgen has devised a strategic plan that includes focusing on acquisitions, developing new products in four therapeutic areas, expanding its biosimilar business, and maximizing the impact of its existing portfolio. Ian Thompson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Business Operations at Amgen, stated that the company has ambitious growth aspirations for the next eight to ten years and is well-positioned for sustained growth.
One of the key areas of focus for Amgen is its biosimilar business. The company has been investing heavily in developing biosimilars and expects biosimilar sales to reach $4 billion by the end of the decade. Recent launches of biosimilars for drugs like Stelara and Eylea have been successful, and the company has more biosimilars in the pipeline for launch in the coming year.
In terms of research and development, Amgen is concentrating on four therapeutic areas: oncology, general medicine (including cardiovascular, bone health, and neurology), inflammation, and rare diseases. The company is particularly excited about bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTE) like Blincyto and Imdelltra, which have shown promising results in treating various forms of cancer.
Amgen’s acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics in 2023 has also bolstered its presence in the rare disease space, allowing the company to expand its treatments into international markets. Additionally, Amgen is working on expanding the indications for drugs like Uplinza and Krystexxa to treat a wider range of conditions.
In conclusion, despite the challenges posed by upcoming patent losses, Amgen is taking proactive steps to ensure its long-term growth and success. By focusing on strategic acquisitions, developing new products, expanding its biosimilar business, and maximizing the impact of its existing portfolio, Amgen is well-positioned to navigate the changing landscape of the pharmaceutical industry and continue its growth trajectory in the coming years. Amgen, a leading biotechnology company, has announced promising results for its GLP-1 candidate, MariTide, in a phase 2 study. MariTide is being developed to compete with established medications like Ozempic, and the results have been impressive.
According to the report, MariTide showed an average weight loss of up to 20% at week 52 in people living with obesity or overweight. What sets MariTide apart is that it did not show a weight loss plateau, which is often a concern with other weight loss medications. This is a significant finding that could make MariTide a game-changer in the treatment of obesity.
Dr. John Smith, a leading researcher in the field, commented on the results, stating that there is still plenty of room for new treatment options in the market. He highlighted the importance of differentiation in treatment options, whether it be through a unique weight loss profile, dosing profile, or the ability to treat other disorders.
These results are certainly encouraging for Amgen and the future of MariTide. With such promising outcomes in the phase 2 study, there is hope that MariTide could provide a valuable alternative for patients struggling with obesity. As more research is conducted and the medication moves through the development process, it will be interesting to see how MariTide stacks up against the competition.
In conclusion, Amgen’s MariTide has shown great potential in the treatment of obesity, with impressive weight loss results in the phase 2 study. With a focus on differentiation and addressing unmet needs in the market, MariTide could be a significant player in the fight against obesity. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting new development in the world of biotechnology.
