CAMBRIDGE, UK - 24 January 2006 - Amgen, the world’s largest biotechnology company, is making a significant R&D investment in the UK with plans to create a European Development Centre in Uxbridge, London, and add to existing facilities in Cambridge.
The new site in Uxbridge can accommodate more than 300 additional staff and forms a key part of a global R&D expansion for Amgen. This growth in R&D is required to meet the needs of Amgen’s outstanding product pipeline in areas such as cancer, bone health and inflammation. Amgen’s biotechnology medicines have already improved the lives of more than 9 million patients worldwide suffering from cancer and other grievous illnesses. The company currently has approximately 50 product candidates in development. The expanded UK operation will coordinate vital development programmes for these promising candidates across Europe, bringing new hope to patients globally.
Dr Jeremy Haigh, Amgen’s European Head of R&D, said: “This expansion will almost double our current UK-based R&D capacity, creating new job opportunities in all aspects of drug development including clinical research, biostatistics, regulatory affairs, safety, data and project management, as well as in key support functions. The decision confirms the UK as a major worldwide scientific hub for Amgen.”
Amgen’s announcement echoes the Government’s recent commitment to attract more R&D investment with the aim of making the UK a world leader in biotechnology.
Science Minister Lord Sainsbury said: "I am delighted that Amgen has chosen the UK to be the centre for its European development organisation. This move will further strengthen London and Cambridge's world leading capabilities for biopharma research and development.
"This move reflects the efforts made by the Government to provide a UK environment which offers commercial stability and fair and efficient regulation. I am very confident that Amgen will find the UK science and skills base capable of delivering the kind of cutting edge research that biotech companies thrive on to help deliver pioneering products. The collaboration between the Government, Think London and East of England International in highlighting to Amgen the benefits of the UK was particularly crucial in making this development happen."
Commenting on why the UK has been chosen for such a critical role, Dr Haigh highlighted access to exceptional talent and good communications as key drivers: “The UK has the scientific talent and capabilities which Amgen needs. Uxbridge is located in the heart of the biopharmaceutical community to the West of London and has excellent links with California where our headquarters are based.
”Cambridge has a longstanding commitment to science and remains one of Europe’s most important biotechnology clusters. Amgen has had a presence in Cambridge for 15 years where we have continued to expand, recruiting more than 100 people here in the last 12 months alone.”
Amgen has also announced plans to further strengthen its presence in Europe by locating a production plant in Cork, Ireland, and making Zug, Switzerland, the headquarters for all commercial operations outside the United States, Canada and Japan.