Amgen swings for EU approval with its new kidney drug

Amgen ($AMGN) filed a European application for etelcalcetide, an intravenous drug for kidney dialysis that the company believes can usurp its own Sensipar. Formerly AMG 416, etelcalcetide is designed to relieve symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), a disorder that affects patients with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialyis. In three Phase III trials presented earlier this year, the drug met its primary goals by significantly reducing parathyroid hormone levels. Amgen filed etelcalcetide for FDA approval earlier this month. Release