Amgen is repositioning its business strategy in response to approaching patent expirations for key products, while building on a strong financial foundation that saw revenue climb 19% to $33.4 billion in 2024. The company faces significant challenges as blockbuster drugs Otezla and Enbrel, which generated over $1.6 billion in Q4 2024 alone, approach loss of exclusivity.
Strategic Pivot to Biosimilars
The company has significantly increased its investment in biosimilar development, leveraging its expertise in manufacturing complex proteins, particularly monoclonal antibodies. This strategic shift has already yielded results with the recent launches of Wezlana, a biosimilar to Johnson & Johnson's Stelara, and Pavblu, which references Regeneron's Eylea.
"We're an innovative scientific company... that's the core of who we are," states Ian Thompson, Amgen's senior vice president and general manager of U.S. business operations. The company projects biosimilar revenues to reach $4 billion by 2030, with additional launches planned, including Bkemv (biosimilar to AstraZeneca's Soliris) in 2025.
Therapeutic Area Focus and Innovation
Amgen's R&D strategy concentrates on four key therapeutic areas, maintaining a balanced approach to growth and development:
The oncology portfolio has shown particular promise with the blood cancer drug Blincyto, which received its third approval last year. The company's bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) platform continues to deliver results, with Imdelltra gaining FDA approval for small cell lung cancer.
In the rare disease space, Amgen's acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics has opened new international opportunities. Tepezza has launched in Japan, with plans to expand globally, while Krystexxa and Uplinza are positioned for growth through additional indications.
Emerging Opportunities in Major Markets
The company is advancing several promising candidates in high-value therapeutic areas. Olpasiran, a small interfering RNA drug targeting lipoprotein(a), is in late-stage development for cardiovascular disease. Tezspire, approved for severe uncontrolled asthma, has demonstrated potential in COPD through phase 2 studies.
Amgen is also competing in the rapidly growing obesity market with MariTide, their GLP-1 candidate. Phase 2 results showed impressive efficacy with up to 20% weight loss at week 52, without reaching a plateau. Thompson notes, "Whilst there are two companies in the market today, there appears to be plenty of room for treatment options that are differentiated."
Long-term Growth Strategy
Despite patent challenges, Amgen maintains optimistic growth projections through 2030. "We're well positioned for sustained growth in the near time and throughout 2030," Thompson affirms. "We do have products losing their exclusivity. But with the breadth of the portfolio that we have, we will continue to grow."
The company's strategy encompasses portfolio diversification, therapeutic area focus, and strategic acquisitions, positioning Amgen to navigate the patent cliff while pursuing new growth opportunities. This comprehensive approach reflects the company's commitment to maintaining its market position through innovation and strategic adaptation.
