10-KPeriod: FY2006

AMGEN INC Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2006

Filed February 28, 2007For Securities:AMGN

Summary

Amgen Inc.'s 2006 10-K filing highlights a year of significant growth, driven by strong performance in its core therapeutic areas: supportive cancer care, nephrology, and inflammation. The company's principal products, including Aranesp®, Neulasta®, NEUPOGEN®, EPOGEN®, and Enbrel®, continued to generate substantial revenue, contributing 97% of total product sales in 2006. The launch of Vectibix™ in late 2006 marked an expansion into the oncology market. The company reported significant investments in research and development, with R&D expenses increasing by 45% to support its expanding pipeline and late-stage clinical trials. Amgen also completed strategic acquisitions of Abgenix, Inc. and Avidia, Inc. to enhance its capabilities in monoclonal antibodies and novel protein therapeutics, respectively. Despite strong product sales, Amgen faces increasing competition and regulatory scrutiny, particularly concerning reimbursement policies and potential biosimilar products in international markets.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues reached $14.27 billion, with product sales accounting for $13.86 billion, marking a 15% increase year-over-year.
  • 2Net income was $2.95 billion, or $2.48 per diluted share, though impacted by $1.23 billion in write-offs of acquired in-process R&D.
  • 3Key products Aranesp® (sales up 26%), Neulasta®/NEUPOGEN® (sales up 12%), and Enbrel® (sales up 12%) showed robust growth.
  • 4Vectibix™, Amgen's first oncology therapeutic, was launched in October 2006, contributing $39 million in sales.
  • 5Research and Development (R&D) expenses increased significantly by 45% to $3.37 billion, reflecting investment in late-stage clinical trials and pipeline expansion.
  • 6Amgen completed two strategic acquisitions: Abgenix, Inc. for approximately $2.2 billion and Avidia, Inc. for approximately $275 million, to bolster its biotechnology capabilities.
  • 7The company continues to repurchase its common stock, with $5.0 billion in repurchases during 2006, signaling confidence in its long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amgen's primary revenue drivers were its principal products: Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa), Neulasta®/NEUPOGEN® (filgrastim/pegfilgrastim), EPOGEN® (epoetin alfa), and Enbrel® (etanercept). Aranesp® saw a 26% increase in sales to $4.12 billion, Neulasta®/NEUPOGEN® sales increased by 12% to $3.92 billion, and Enbrel® sales grew by 12% to $2.88 billion. These products collectively accounted for the vast majority of Amgen's product sales.

Amgen significantly increased its R&D spending by 45% to $3.37 billion in 2006. This increase was primarily driven by higher staff levels and increased funding to support late-stage clinical trials for key product candidates like denosumab, as well as the expansion of its research and pre-clinical organization to advance more compounds through the development process. The company initiated nine 'mega-site' trials to support denosumab and other late-stage programs.

In 2006, Amgen completed two significant acquisitions to strengthen its R&D capabilities: Abgenix, Inc. for approximately $2.2 billion, enhancing its monoclonal antibody expertise, and Avidia, Inc. for approximately $275 million, adding novel protein therapeutic technology. Additionally, Amgen launched Vectibix™, its first oncology therapeutic, marking an expansion into the cancer treatment market.

Amgen identified several key risks, including increased competition for its marketed products and product candidates, particularly the potential entry of biosimilar products in Europe. The company also noted the impact of government regulatory and reimbursement policies, such as changes related to Medicare Part B and the potential for adverse event findings that could affect product labeling or market access. Manufacturing capacity and reliance on third-party suppliers, as well as patent litigation and intellectual property challenges, were also cited as significant risks.