Amgen strengthens focus on American Brazil

The American Amgen, one of the largest global pharmaceutical biologic drugs, wants to expand its operations in Brazil and to reinforce its position as a company of innovative products. In an interview with Value, Laura Hamill, General Manager for Latin America, Canada and Australia, said that the lab wants to strengthen relations with the Government of Brazil through the productive development policy (PDP), to promote transfer of technology of medicines, and does not rule out making further acquisitions in the country.
The debut of American pharmaceutical in Brazil was in 2011, when the group bought the small laboratory Bergamo, installed in Taboão da Serra, São Paulo, for $ 215 million. This acquisition was the gateway of the multinational in the generics market. Until then, the company had its focus turned exclusively for biological medicinal products, especially in the area of Oncology. Last year, Amgen acquired a generic laboratory in Turkey, strengthening its position in this segment in emerging countries.
"We have significant investments for the Brazilian unit," said the Executive. The contributions provided for in the short term on the drive are $ 7 million, "but we have long-term plans". In the country, the company sells about 40 products.
Despite these recent acquisitions in generics, the company does not wish to divert the focus of innovation. The company's laboratory in the country also produces medicines in Oncology and hospitals can use their national platform for the production of Biosimilars in the future. "We have the interest in having the generics, Biosimilars platforms and innovative products."
Before purchasing the Bergamo, the company has performed clinical studies in the domestic market since 2009. According to the Group's Medical Director in the country, Mariano Janiszewski, Brazil offers a not yet fully exploited for biomedical research. The company plans to invest about $ 10 million in activities related to research, covering 4 thousand patients. Currently are 245 patients and 1,000 places to carry out those studies.
According to Laura, clinical trials are crucial to Amgen's activities in Brazil. "We believe that the research will enhance our company's reputation for developing high quality medicines to help in the fight against serious diseases, and increase access to a series of important therapies."
The company also holds talks with the Brazilian Government for possible agreements for PDPs. The negotiations would be for technology transfer of medicine in the area of Oncology. The Executive did not disclose the name of the product.
The Amgen plans to reach more than $ 1 billion in new and emerging markets sales until 2015, in addition to expanding its presence in key markets, including Japan and China. Currently, the company explores partnering opportunities in Japan for creating a complete and independent subsidiary until 2020.
Created in the early 80, as a "startup", the company has in its pipeline for advanced research to melanoma, ovarian cancer, cardiovascular, postmenopausal osteoporosis and fracture treatment, psoriasis and asthma. In 2011, the company's gross revenue was $ 7.5 billion.