Amgen acquires rights to Neupogen, Neulasta in 100 markets from Roche

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Biotech drug maker Amgen has acquired from Roche the rights to drugs used to boost the immune systems of cancer patients on chemotherapy in 100 markets.

Amgen announced Tuesday that the transfer of rights to Neupogen (filgrastim) and Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) in several countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa would take effect on Jan. 1, 2014. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the drugs generated about $200 million in sales in those areas last year. Roche has since 1989 held the rights to the drugs in those markets under license from Kirin-Amgen, a joint venture between Amgen and Japan-based Kirin Holdings Co.

"This agreement will enable Amgen to reach more patients around the world with two of our innovative medicines," Amgen chairman and CEO Robert Bradway said. "The transaction will allow us to build experience and capacity in countries that will be important in accelerating future growth of Amgen's pipeline products."