THOUSAND OAKS - Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) today announced new data from its hematology pipeline and marketed portfolio to be presented at the 63rd American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia, and virtually, from Dec. 11-14, 2021.

'The data being presented at ASH demonstrates Amgen's commitment to reaching more patients with our innovative hematology medicines and improving the patient experience by exploring more convenient administrations for people living with blood cancers,' said David M. Reese, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. 'By accelerating the development and delivery of transformative medicines in difficult to treat and vulnerable patient populations, including children and pregnant women, we continue to focus on the relentless pursuit of breakthroughs for blood cancer patients and their families.'

Amgen will present data on its bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) platform, including BLINCYTO (blinatumomab), as well as KYPROLIS (carfilzomib) and Nplate (romiplostim). Updated data from the Phase 3 '215 trial in children with high-risk first relapse B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) showed BLINCYTO improved event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) versus chemotherapy before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT). The first presentation of safety and efficacy data with BLINCYTO administered subcutaneously in adults with relapsed or refractory B-ALL also demonstrated encouraging results.

Additionally, results from the Phase 1b study investigating KYPROLIS in combination with vincristine, dexamethasone, PEG-asparaginase, daunorubicin (VXLD) induction therapy in children with relapsed or refractory ALL showing promising efficacy in highly advanced relapsed/refractory pediatric ALL will be presented in a poster discussion session. Analyses from the Pregnancy Surveillance Program (PSP) evaluating pregnancy and fetal outcomes of women exposed to Nplate highlighting no substantial safety concerns identified for mothers, fetuses and infants due to Nplate use during pregnancy will also be shared as an oral presentation on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021.

Key Abstracts and Presentation Times: Disease State Amgen Sponsored Abstracts

Real World Assessment of Treatment Patterns and Outcomes Among Multiple Myeloma Patients Across Different Risk Stratification Criteria in the United States: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract #1640, Poster Presentation, Saturday, Dec. 11 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Outcomes of Triple-Class (Proteasome Inhibitor, Immunomodulator, CD38

Monoclonal Antibody) Exposed Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM) in United States (US) Real-World Practice

Abstract #3042, Poster Presentation, Sunday, Dec. 12 from 6 - 8 p.m. ET

A Temporal and Multinational Assessment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Cancer Incidence, Survival and Disease Burden

Abstract #4124, Poster Presentation, Monday, Dec. 13 from 6 - 8 p.m. ET

BLINCYTO Amgen Sponsored Abstracts

Superior Overall Survival With Blinatumomab Versus Chemotherapy in Children With High-Risk First Relapse of B-cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Randomized, Controlled Phase 3 Trial

Abstract #1231, Poster Presentation, Saturday, Dec. 11 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Safety and Efficacy of Subcutaneous (SC) Blinatumomab for the Treatment of Adults with Relapsed or Refractory B Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (R/R B-ALL)

Abstract #2303, Poster Presentation, Sunday, Dec. 12 from 6 - 8 p.m. ET

A Phase 1b Study of Blinatumomab Regimen Including Subcutaneous Administration in Relapsed / Refractory (R/R) Indolent Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)

Abstract #2436, Poster Presentation, Sunday, Dec. 12 from 6 - 8 p.m. ET

Heterogeneity of Minimal/Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) Practices in Adult B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL) in the United States

About the 20120215 Study

Study 20120215 is a Phase 3 open-label, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial evaluating event-free survival (EFS) after treatment with BLINCYTO compared with standard of care consolidation chemotherapy in pediatric patients with high-risk first-relapse B-cell ALL. In September 2019, the BLINCYTO arm showed superior efficacy on the primary endpoint of EFS, exceeding the prespecified stopping boundary; based on the recommendation from the Independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC), Amgen terminated enrollment. Key secondary endpoints included overall survival and MRD response, adverse events (AEs), 100-day mortality after alloHSCT, incidence of anti-blinatumomab antibody formation, cumulative incidence of relapse. This is a global study that is being conducted as part of the PIP (Pediatric Investigation Plan) agreed to between Amgen and the EMA and is being conducted in Australia and various countries in the EU and Latin America.

About BLINCYTO (Blinatumomab)

BLINCYTO is a BiTE (bispecific T-cell engager) immuno-oncology therapy that targets CD19 surface antigens on B cells. BiTE molecules fight cancer by helping the body's immune system detect and target malignant cells by engaging T cells (a type of white blood cell capable of killing other cells perceived as threats) to cancer cells. By bringing T cells near cancer cells, the T cells can inject toxins and trigger cancer cell death (apoptosis). BiTE immuno-oncology therapies are currently being investigated for their potential to treat a wide variety of cancers.

About KYPROLIS (carfilzomib)

Proteasomes play an important role in cell function and growth by breaking down proteins that are damaged or no longer needed.1 KYPROLIS has been shown to block proteasomes, leading to an excessive build-up of proteins within cells.2 In some cells, KYPROLIS can cause cell death, especially in myeloma cells because they are more likely to contain a higher amount of abnormal proteins.1,2

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer, characterized by a recurring pattern of remission and relapse.4 It is a rare and life-threatening disease that accounts for approximately one percent of all cancers.4,5 Worldwide, approximately 176,000 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma each year, and 117,000 patient deaths are reported on an annual basis.5

About Nplate (romiplostim)

Nplate is a thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonist that mimics the body's natural TPO and is designed to increase platelet counts in patients with ITP.6

In the U.S: Nplate is approved for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with ITP who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, or splenectomy.

Nplate is approved for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with ITP for at least 6 months who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, or splenectomy.

Adult ITP

In the placebo-controlled trials of adult ITP patients, headache was the most commonly reported adverse drug reaction, occurring in 35% of patients receiving Nplate and 32% of patients receiving placebo. Adverse drug reactions in adults with a 5% higher patient incidence in Nplate versus placebo were Arthralgia (26%, 20%), Dizziness (17%, 0%), Insomnia (16%, 7%), Myalgia (14%, 2%), Pain in Extremity (13%, 5%), Abdominal Pain (11%, 0%), Shoulder Pain (8%, 0%), Dyspepsia (7%, 0%), and Paresthesia (6%, 0%).

The safety profile of Nplate was similar across patients, regardless of ITP duration. The following adverse reactions (at least 5% incidence and at least 5% more frequent with Nplate compared with placebo or standard of care) occurred in Nplate patients with ITP duration up to 12 months: bronchitis, sinusitis, vomiting, arthralgia, myalgia, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, nausea and oropharyngeal pain. The adverse reaction of thrombocytosis occurred with an incidence of 2% in adults with ITP duration up to 12 months.

About Amgen Oncology

At Amgen Oncology, our mission to serve patients drives all that we do. That's why we're relentlessly focused on accelerating the delivery of medicines that have the potential to empower all angles of care and transform lives of people with cancer.

For the last four decades, we have been dedicated to discovering the firsts that matter in oncology and to finding ways to reduce the burden of cancer. Building on our heritage, Amgen continues to advance the largest pipeline in the Company's history, moving with great speed to advance those innovations for the patients who need them.

About Amgen

Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.

Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.

Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also part of the Nasdaq-100 index. In 2021, Amgen was named one of the 25 World's Best Workplaces by Fortune and Great Place to Work and one of the 100 most sustainable companies in the world by Barron's.

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Amgen. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any statements on the outcome, benefits and synergies of collaborations, or potential collaborations, with any other company (including BeiGene, Ltd., Kyowa-Kirin Co., Ltd., or any collaboration to manufacture therapeutic antibodies against COVID-19), the performance of Otezla (apremilast) (including anticipated Otezla sales growth and the timing of non-GAAP EPS accretion), the Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. acquisition, or the Teneobio, Inc. acquisition, as well as estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial metrics, expected legal, arbitration, political, regulatory or clinical results or practices, customer and prescriber patterns or practices, reimbursement activities and outcomes, effects of pandemics or other widespread health problems such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our business, and other such estimates and results. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and more fully described in the Securities and Exchange Commission reports filed by Amgen, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Unless otherwise noted, Amgen is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from those we project. Discovery or identification of new product candidates or development of new indications for existing products cannot be guaranteed and movement from concept to product is uncertain; consequently, there can be no guarantee that any particular product candidate or development of a new indication for an existing product will be successful and become a commercial product. Further, preclinical results do not guarantee safe and effective performance of product candidates in humans. The complexity of the human body cannot be perfectly, or sometimes, even adequately modeled by computer or cell culture systems or animal models. The length of time that it takes for us to complete clinical trials and obtain regulatory approval for product marketing has in the past varied and we expect similar variability in the future. Even when clinical trials are successful, regulatory authorities may question the sufficiency for approval of the trial endpoints we have selected. We develop product candidates internally and through licensing collaborations, partnerships and joint ventures. Product candidates that are derived from relationships may be subject to disputes between the parties or may prove to be not as effective or as safe as we may have believed at the time of entering into such relationship. Also, we or others could identify safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with our products, including our devices, after they are on the market.

Our results may be affected by our ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally, clinical and regulatory developments involving current and future products, sales growth of recently launched products, competition from other products including biosimilars, difficulties or delays in manufacturing our products and global economic conditions. In addition, sales of our products are affected by pricing pressure, political and public scrutiny and reimbursement policies imposed by third-party payers, including governments, private insurance plans and managed care providers and may be affected by regulatory, clinical and guideline developments and domestic and international trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment. Furthermore, our research, testing, pricing, marketing and other operations are subject to extensive regulation by domestic and foreign government regulatory authorities. Our business may be impacted by government investigations, litigation and product liability claims. In addition, our business may be impacted by the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities. If we fail to meet the compliance obligations in the corporate integrity agreement between us and the U.S. government, we could become subject to significant sanctions. Further, while we routinely obtain patents for our products and technology, the protection offered by our patents and patent applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by our competitors, or we may fail to prevail in present and future intellectual property litigation. We perform a substantial amount of our commercial manufacturing activities at a few key facilities, including in Puerto Rico, and also depend on third parties for a portion of our manufacturing activities, and limits on supply may constrain sales of certain of our current products and product candidate development. An outbreak of disease or similar public health threat, such as COVID-19, and the public and governmental effort to mitigate against the spread of such disease, could have a significant adverse effect on the supply of materials for our manufacturing activities, the distribution of our products, the commercialization of our product candidates, and our clinical trial operations, and any such events may have a material adverse effect on our product development, product sales, business and results of operations. We rely on collaborations with third parties for the development of some of our product candidates and for the commercialization and sales of some of our commercial products. In addition, we compete with other companies with respect to many of our marketed products as well as for the discovery and development of new products. Further, some raw materials, medical devices and component parts for our products are supplied by sole third-party suppliers. Certain of our distributors, customers and payers have substantial purchasing leverage in their dealings with us. The discovery of significant problems with a product similar to one of our products that implicate an entire class of products could have a material adverse effect on sales of the affected products and on our business and results of operations. Our efforts to collaborate with or acquire other companies, products or technology, and to integrate the operations of companies or to support the products or technology we have acquired, may not be successful. A breakdown, cyberattack or information security breach could compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our systems and our data. Our stock price is volatile and may be affected by a number of events. Global economic conditions may magnify certain risks that affect our business. Our business performance could affect or limit the ability of our Board of Directors to declare a dividend or our ability to pay a dividend or repurchase our common stock. We may not be able to access the capital and credit markets on terms that are favorable to us, or at all.

The scientific information discussed in this news release related to our product candidates is preliminary and investigative. Such product candidates are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and no conclusions can or should be drawn regarding the safety or effectiveness of the product candidates. Further, any scientific information discussed in this news release relating to new indications for our products is preliminary and investigative and is not part of the labeling approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the products. The products are not approved for the investigational use(s) discussed in this news release, and no conclusions can or should be drawn regarding the safety or effectiveness of the products for these uses.

Contact:

Trish Rowland

Tel: 805-447-5631

(C) 2021 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire