Amgen reports strong growth for 2012’s first quarter

Amgen has reported a nine percent year-on-year increase in sales during the first quarter of 2012.

The company generated a revenue total of $4.05 billion (2.5 billion pounds) during the three months, with strong sales of products including Neulasta, Neupogen, Prolia, Enbrel and Xgeva contributing to this growth.

Over the course of the quarter, Amgen reported positive clinical trial data on treatments such as AMG 145 and brodalumab, while also announcing the acquisition of KAI and a new partnership with AstraZeneca.

The company now expects to generate total revenue for the year in the range of $16.1 billion to $16.5 billion.

Kevin Sharer, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Amgen, said: "We delivered strong sales and earnings during the first quarter, reflecting broad strength across the portfolio. The pipeline is developing well and the business is in good shape to address the opportunities and challenges ahead."

Earlier this week, the company honoured the memory of its founding CEO George Rathmann, who recently passed away.