Amgen, Inc.

Pharmaceutical and biotech stocks fell after Trump chose RFK Jr. for HHS Secretary. Moderna and Pfizer shares dropped 7% and 4.5% respectively. Kennedy, known for anti-vaccine views, claims he's not anti-vaccine but wants rigorous testing. COVID-19 vaccines proven safe and effective, saving millions of lives.

46 polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for coronary heart disease (CHD) with similar population-level performance produced discordant individual-level risk estimates, with 20% of participants having PRSs in both the top and bottom 5th percentile at least once. This variability suggests that CHD PRSs with similar population-level characteristics may not provide consistent individual risk estimates, emphasizing the need for refined statistical methods and strategies to communicate uncertainty in clinical implementation.

Amgen's stock underperformed the market but offers potential due to its cardiometabolic pipeline, including MariTide for obesity and type 2 diabetes, and AMG 513. However, caution is advised as Amgen is a latecomer in the anti-obesity drug market, limiting its market share potential.

Pharma companies race to develop next-gen GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and diabetes, with Eli Lilly's Retatrutide (Triple-G) showing potential for more weight loss than current meds, and Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 promising faster effects. Eli Lilly also aims to be first with an oral GLP-1, while Novo Nordisk's CagriSema combines semaglutide with cagrilintide for enhanced weight loss. Amgen's MariTide offers a longer-lasting monthly shot, simplifying treatment.

Michael Yee of Jefferies maintains a Buy rating on Biogen (BIIB) with a $250.00 price target, citing positive developments for Biogen’s Alzheimer’s drug, Leqembi, in the European market. The European Medicines Agency’s approval recommendation, despite limitations, is seen as a significant market opportunity. Challenges include EU pricing and reimbursement processes, logistical issues, and the need for pipeline expansion, but the drug’s potential in specific patient groups supports the Buy recommendation.

In a phase III trial, inebilizumab (Uplizna) showed efficacy in reducing disease flares in patients with IgG4-related disease, achieving complete flare-free remission in 57% of patients compared to 22% in the placebo group. However, serious adverse events were twice as common with inebilizumab, necessitating longer-term safety data.

A phase 3 trial found inebilizumab significantly reduced symptoms of IgG4-RD, a rare disease affecting fewer than 200,000 in the U.S., compared to placebo, reducing flare risk by 87%. The treatment, which depletes CD19-expressing B cells, may increase infection risk and requires careful monitoring.

Amgen presents new data on UPLIZNA® for IgG4-RD and KRYSTEXXA® for uncontrolled gout at ACR Convergence 2024, highlighting reduced disease activity and shorter infusion times, respectively.

Amgen presents new data on UPLIZNA® for IgG4-RD and KRYSTEXXA® for uncontrolled gout at ACR Convergence 2024, highlighting reduced disease activity and shorter infusion times, respectively.

Amgen addresses bone mineral density (BMD) concerns with its obesity drug MariTide, after an analyst's comment led to a $12bn market loss. The company asserts no association between MariTide and BMD changes, maintaining its confidence in the drug's potential. Phase II data is expected by year-end. Analyst Olivia Brayer highlighted previously unshared data indicating a 4% BMD drop at the highest dose, suggesting a dose-dependent increase in BMD loss. Despite initial market impact, Amgen's statement led to a partial recovery in stock price.