THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 1, 2005--Amgen (Nasdaq:AMGN), the world´s largest biotechnology company, today announced that it is providing an initial cash contribution of $2.5 million and establishing a company-wide Hurricane Katrina Relief Program in support of humanitarian aid, with a special focus on access to health care. A portion of Amgen´s contribution will go to the American Red Cross for general aid to the region and the balance will support organizations that can assist in providing access and continuity of care for patients in the Gulf Coast area, especially dialysis and oncology patients.

Additionally, the Amgen Foundation will deploy its Disaster Relief Program Web site for Amgen staff around the globe who wish to contribute their own funds to the relief and rebuild efforts. The Amgen Foundation will match all staff contributions via this relief site. The following organizations are the designated recipients for contributions made through this program:

"The magnitude of the tragedy in New Orleans and the Gulf states has been devastating. The Amgen commitment of $2.5 million is intended to help with the impacted communities´ most critical needs, particularly health care," said Kevin Sharer, Amgen´s chairman and chief executive officer.

In keeping with Amgen´s mission to serve patients, the company is working with suppliers, physicians and customers to ensure uninterrupted supply of Amgen´s medicines to patients in the Gulf Coast region.

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 broad and deep 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.

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CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks Mary Klem, 805-447-4587 (Media) Arvind Sood, 805-447-1060 (Investors) SOURCE: Amgen