Jury Rules Roche Infringes Amgen's EPO Patents
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Oct. 23, 2007--Amgen announced today that a jury in the U.S. Federal District Court in Boston ruled that Roche's pegylated-erythropoietin (peg-EPO) product MIRCERA infringes 11 Amgen EPO patent claims.
Amgen is pleased with the jury's verdict and will now seek an injunction to prevent Roche from commercializing its peg-EPO product in the United States in violation of Amgen's affirmed patent rights. The injunction hearing is scheduled for Nov. 15, 2007.
In addition to infringing its EPO patents, Amgen firmly believes Roche's peg-EPO product provides no clinical or patient benefit over Amgen's innovative therapies, EPOGEN(R) (Epoetin alfa) and Aranesp(R) (darbepoetin alfa).
Amgen remains committed to investing in innovative research and to delivering medicines that treat grievous illness and meet unmet medical needs.
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 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 our vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com.