Amgen Completes Acquisition of BioVex

Acquisition Includes a Therapeutic in Phase 3 Clinical Trials for the Treatment of Advanced Melanoma and Head and Neck Cancer

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., March 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN), today announced the completion of the acquisition of BioVex Group, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company based in Woburn, Mass., with additional operations in Abingdon, UK. The acquisition includes OncoVEX(GM-CSF), a novel investigational oncolytic vaccine in Phase 3 clinical development that may represent a new approach to treating melanoma and head and neck cancer. The acquisition was initially announced on Jan. 24.  

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Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures, 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, 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, bone disease, and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad 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 vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com.

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Contact: Amgen, Thousand Oaks

Mary Klem, 805-447-6979 (media)

Arvind Sood, 805-447-1060 (investors)



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