Acquisition Of A Clinical Stage IL-6 Compound And Novel Avimer(TM) Protein Platform

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 24, 2006--Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN), today announced the completion of the acquisition of Avidia, a privately held biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops a new class of human therapeutic known as Avimer(TM) proteins. The transaction provides Amgen with Avidia´s lead product candidate, an inhibitor of interleukin 6 (IL-6) for the treatment of inflammation and autoimmune diseases, which is in Phase 1 clinical trials. The acquisition was initially announced on Sept. 29.

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 David Polk, 805-447-4613 (media) Arvind Sood, 805-447-1060 (investors) SOURCE: Amgen