Amgen “optimistic” about 2009 financial performance

Amgen is positive about its fiscal performance this year, its chairman and chief executive has said.

Kevin Sharer made his comments as the company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.29 (78p) for the second quarter of 2009, reflecting an increase of 13 per cent on the $1.14 for the same period in 2008.

Meanwhile, adjusted net income increased by six per cent to $1,311 million, in comparison to £1,235 million in the second three months of last year.

“We are optimistic about our financial performance in 2009 and are focused on making denosumab a success,” Mr Sharer stated.

Denosumab has been tested in a phase III trial, where it demonstrated superiority over Zometa (zoledronic acid) in the treatment of advanced breast cancer patients with bone metastases.

Earlier this month, the company announced that it has appointed Rebecca Henderson to serve on its board of directors, taking the number of members of the board to 13.