Amgen Donates $1 Million to Help Japanese Disaster Victims

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Mar 14, 2011, 07:30 ET

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) today announced that the company will donate $1 million to Japanese disaster relief efforts. Amgen and the Amgen Foundation will distribute the funds to both Direct Relief International and International Medical Corps to bring basic needs and vital health services to those affected in Japan.

Amgen has a long history in Japan with our partnership with Kirin Holdings and its pharmaceutical affiliate Kyowa Hakko Kirin that began in 1984, and more recently partnerships with Takeda Pharmaceutical and Daiichi Sankyo.

"The earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan have been devastating to so many people throughout the country," said Kevin Sharer, Amgen's chairman and chief executive officer. "Our sincere sympathy goes to all of those in Japan affected by this tragedy."

Amgen has selected the two organizations for their capacity and experience to respond to large-scale disaster relief efforts. Since its inception 60 years ago, Direct Relief has provided medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people affected by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest at home and throughout the world. International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.

About Amgen

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.

About the Amgen Foundation

The Amgen Foundation (http://www.amgen.com/citizenship/overview.html) seeks to advance science education; improve patient access to quality care; and strengthen the communities where Amgen staff members live and work. Since 1991, the Foundation has made $160 million in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Europe that impact society in inspiring and innovative ways.