Amgen hails 2010 as ‘strong year’ in financial report

Amgen has expressed satisfaction with its performance in 2010 after reporting year-on-year growth in its latest financial report.

The company's total revenue figure for the 12 months came to $15.05 billion (9.5 billion pounds), up by three percent on 2009, while earnings per share rose by 11 percent in the same timeframe.

Sales of Amgen drugs such as Neulasta, Enbrel, Sensipar and Vectibix all increased during 2010, while key regulatory approvals were achieved for Prolia and Xgeva.

Kevin Sharer, chairman and chief executive officer of the company, said it has been a "strong year" for Amgen, despite the impact of US healthcare reform measures on its bottom line.

"Our priorities in 2011 are to make Prolia and Xgeva successes, advance and enrich our pipeline and build value for our shareholders," he said.

Earlier this month, Amgen announced plans to ally with Xencor to jointly develop XmAb5871, a new treatment for autoimmune diseases.