Company Profile
Amgen
Company Overview
Amgen is one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies. Amgen is a values-based company, deeply rooted in science and innovation to transform new ideas and discoveries into medicines for patients with serious illnesses.
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.
Our belief—and the core of our strategy—is that innovative, highly differentiated medicines that provide large clinical benefits in addressing serious diseases are medicines that will not only help patients, but also will help reduce the social and economic burden of disease in society today.
Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology innovator since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.
Innovative Medicines
We have a presence in approximately 100 countries and regions worldwide and our innovative medicines have reached millions of people in the fight against serious illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and many others. Our medicines typically address diseases for which there are limited treatment options, or they are medicines that provide a viable option to what is otherwise available.
Transformative Research
Understanding the fundamental biological mechanisms of disease is a defining feature of Amgen's discovery research efforts—and a major contributor to the development of Amgen's deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines. Amgen's "biology first" approach permits its scientists to first explore the complex molecular pathways of disease before determining what type of medicine, or modality, is most likely to deliver optimal efficacy and safety. With the advances in human genetics, Amgen continues to shed new light on the molecular roots of disease. Amgen subsidiary deCODE Genetics, a global leader in human genetics, is a powerful differentiator, greatly improving how we identify and validate human disease targets.
World-Class Biomanufacturing
The treatment of millions of seriously ill patients worldwide depends on the safe and reliable production of biologic medicines, which are administered by injection or intravenously. A worldwide leader in biologics manufacturing, Amgen has an outstanding track record of reliably delivering high-quality medicines to patients who need them. Significant skill, experience, vigilance and commitment are critical to help ensure the quality of a biologic medicine each time a new batch is made. At Amgen, robust quality control and a reliable supply of medicines for patients are every bit as important as scientific innovation.
Good Corporate Citizenship
While bringing innovative medicines to people suffering from serious diseases is the best way Amgen can contribute to the greater good, we know that society confronts multiple challenges and we are working to do our part to address them. Our efforts fall into four categories:
Healthy People –
We focus on removing barriers that limit equitable access to healthcare so that people can live their healthiest lives. In 2021, for example, the Amgen Safety Net Foundation provided $2.2 billion* worth of Amgen medicines at no cost to low-income Americans.
Healthy Society –
We work toward a more just society for our employees and the people we serve. For instance, Amgen is a founding member of the OneTen coalition, comprised of leading companies with a collective goal over the next 10 years to hire one million Black Americans into good-paying, family-sustaining jobs.
Healthy Planet –
We prioritize sustainability and aim to minimize our environmental impact to preserve natural resources for generations to come. In 2021, for example, Amgen announced plans to invest more than $200 million to become carbon neutral by 2027, while also reducing our water use by 40% and our waste generated by 70%.
A Healthy Amgen –
We hold ourselves to high standards in all we do to ensure our culture and products reflect Amgen values. Every year, for example, all Amgen employees around the world complete a comprehensive Code of Conduct training to reinforce how we must interact with each other, as well as with physicians, regulators, government officials, and other external stakeholders.
To learn more, please visit www.amgen.com/responsibility or contact- ksimms@amgen.com
Company History
AMGen (Applied Molecular Genetics Inc.) is established in Thousand Oaks, California, on April 8, 1980, as the brainchild of venture capitalists William K. (Bill) Bowes and associates. With a staff of three, the Company occupies a shared building, now called “Building 1.” George B. Rathmann is named first CEO. Scientist and businessman George B. Rathmann. Dubbed “Mr. Biotech” by Red Herring magazine, Rathmann has been called one of the great geniuses of high-tech entrepreneurialism. Working from a small trailer to free up space for scientists, Rathmann quickly establishes scientific goals and secures funding to conduct grand experiments in technology. In the first three years, AMGen scientists attempt many things: creating organisms to extract oil from shale, growing chickens faster, making specialty chemicals, cloning luciferase (the light source for fireflies) and creating a process for producing indigo dye in E. coli—an achievement that garners the prestigious cover of Science magazine. The final direction for the Company would be treating and curing disease.
In 2020, Over 40 years later, Amgen grew from a small team in a California office park to a global biotech leader in approximately 100 countries. Hundreds of biotech companies have come and gone since our founding in 1980, but Amgen is still here, and we're stronger than ever.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
America’s Greatest Workplaces
Amgen has been named to Newsweek magazine’s 2023 list of “America’s Greatest Workplaces.” According to Newsweek, “In an economic climate where the job market remains competitive despite fears of a recession, employers who stand out as America's Greatest Workplaces may find they have substantial advantages over their competitors.”
Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion
Amgen has been recognized as a Disability Equality Index (DEI) “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.” With a top score, the honor acknowledges Amgen’s commitment to disability equality and inclusion, as well as to broader social issues such as supplier diversity and community engagement. The DEI is one of the most comprehensive benchmarking tools used by Fortune 1000 companies to measure disability workplace inclusion against competitors, including employment practices, and culture and leadership.
America's Climate Leaders
Amgen has been named to USA TODAY’s inaugural list of “America’s Climate Leaders.” According to the publication, the list is “a data-driven recognition of companies that cut their carbon footprint in recent years, a noteworthy achievement for investors, customers and anyone who is trying to make sense of these still-evolving measures.” In 2021, Amgen announced a goal of achieving carbon neutrality in its operations by 2027, while also reducing water use by 40% and waste generated by 75%.
America's Greatest Workplaces For Diversity
Amgen has been named to Newsweek’s 2023 list “America's Greatest Workplaces For Diversity,” which, according to the magazine, includes companies that “employees say really respect and value different kinds of people.” You can learn more about Amgen’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging here.
America’s Most JUST Companies
Amgen has been named one of America's 100 “Most JUST Companies” by JUST Capital. This annual ranking reflects “the performance of America’s largest publicly traded companies on the issues that matter most in defining just business behavior today,” including how companies invest in their employees, support their communities, and treat their customers.
Most Influential Executives in Diversity & Inclusion
Savoy magazine has named Amgen’s Chief Diversity Officer Tamika Jean-Baptiste as one of the “Most Influential Executives in Diversity & Inclusion.” According to Savoy, “This collection of executives showcases the remarkable leaders who are spearheading diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for some of the world’s most prominent organizations. From their powerful influence to their inspiring dedication to creating positive change, this list is a testament to the impact that these executives are making in their industries and beyond.”
America’s Best Large Employers
Amgen has been named one of “America’s Best Large Employers” by Forbes, placing 58th among the 500 companies making the list. To determine the list, 45,000 Americans working for companies with more than 5,000 employees were asked to rate how likely they would be to recommend their current employer. They were also asked to nominate companies other than their own.
Benefits
We care for others. We care for you.
We work to develop treatments to better the lives of people worldwide. That same care is extended to you, our employees. Read on to discover how our employee benefits are purposefully focused on your health, happiness, and professional success.
Medical, Dental & Vision
Variety of Saving options for Eligible Medical Expenses
Wellness Programs, Tools and Resources to Incentivize Healthy Living
On-site Fitness Facility (in some locations) or Reimbursement/Discounted Access to Local Fitness Facilities for Other Locations
Global Employee Assistance Program
100% for Amgen products when enrolled in an Anthem medical plan
Cancer support resources through Wellness at Amgen
Assistance for special needs children
Competitive Base Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunities
Long-Term Incentives and Stock Grants
Award Winning Retirement Plans and 401K with Generous Company Match
Retiree Medical Savings Accounts
Financial Security and Income Protection via Short, Long-Term Disability Benefits and Life Insurance
Amgen Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (US Only)
Dependent Care Savings Options
Award Winning Paid Time Off Program Plan (PTO) and Bi-Annual Company Shutdowns
Paid Parental Leave
Adoption Benefit
Employee Volunteer Program and Company Matching Donation Program
On-Site Child Care Facilities (in some locations) and/or Discount Options for other locations
Access to tutoring, test prep, and college admissions advice services for children
Elder care resources
Tuition Reimbursement
Flexible Work Environment
Employee Recognition Programs
Learning & Development Resources
Service Awards
Mentor Program
Access to more than 20 Employee Resource Groups providing divers opportunities for Professional Growth and Development and Inspiration
And some much more!