Amgen Canada was founded in 1991 and, in 1992, would launch one of the first biologically derived human therapeutics, NEUPOGEN® (Filgrastim), which became one of the biotechnology industry's first blockbusters while improving the lives of thousands of Canadians.
Since 1991, Amgen Canada has created nearly 400 new jobs and made eight innovative medicines available to Canadian health care providers and patients. Amgen Canada conducts significant numbers of clinical trials in conjunction with leading academic research institutions, hospitals and clinics throughout Canada.
In 2005, following the acquisition of Abgenix Inc., Amgen introduced its own Canadian research facility that specializes in the discovery and development of human therapeutic antibodies. The research center, located in Burnaby, employs 65 people, including research scientists and a small support staff.
Our Development Operations team, working with colleagues around the world, participates in all major Amgen global clinical programs spanning phases 1–4 in bone, general medicine, inflammation, metabolic disorders, neuroscience and oncology. Since 1991, more than 7,000 patients have enrolled in Amgen clinical trials in Canada. Currently some 2,000 Canadian patients are active in more than 50 trials at about 500 sites across Canada. Those sites include major teaching hospitals as well as community-based sites. The number of patients enrolled in trials in Canada has doubled since 2004.
