Amgen announces support for cancer initiative from Grey’s Anatomy star

Amgen has announced that, as part of its work to increase the awareness of programmes and free services for individuals affected by cancer, it has enlisted the support of Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey.

The television and film actor, who plays neurosurgeon Dr Derek Shepherd on the hit ABC show, will support the Breakaway from Cancer initiative founded by the firm in 2005 to complement its sponsorship of the Amgen Tour of California cycling event that takes place every February.

Entering its third year, the scheme continues to support the non-profit work of the Wellness Community and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship by helping those affected by the disease to live well and take an active role in their own recovery.

Mr Dempsey said: “I hope that by being part of the Breakaway from Cancer initiative, people will be inspired to seek the support they need from the wide array of free resources and services.”

He added that his mother had twice survived ovarian cancer, giving him first-hand knowledge of the impact of the disease.

In September 2007, Amgen made a number of presentations at the European Conference on Clinical Oncology held in Barcelona.