Amgen Acquires Filgrastim Franchise Rights From Roche

Amgen has entered into an agreement with F. Hoffmann-La Roche to acquire Roche’s rights to filgrastim and pegfilgrastim in approximately 100 markets, effective January 1, 2014. The products are white blood cell boosting therapeutics used to reduce the risk of infection in patients receiving chemotherapy. They’re marketed by Amgen in the U.S. and Europe under the trade names Neupogen and Neulasta, respectively.
 
Roche has held the rights to filgrastim and pegfilgrastim since 1989 under license from Kirin-Amgen, Inc., a joint venture between Amgen and Kirin Holdings Co. of Japan, in Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co. will continue to retain rights to filgrastim and pegfilgrastim in certain Asian territories, including China and Japan. The franchise generated approximately $200 million in sales in these regions in 2012.
 
“This agreement will enable Amgen to reach more patients around the world with two of our innovative medicines,” said Robert A. Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer of Amgen. “The transaction will also allow us to build experience and capacity in countries that will be important in accelerating future growth of Amgen’s pipeline products.”
 
Amgen will begin distributing the products in countries where it has existing commercial operations. Roche or its distributors will continue to sell the products for an interim transition period in countries where Amgen does not have a presence.