Amgen opens Indian office

Amgen, the world's largest biotechnology company, is betting big on India. The California-based biotechnology company with sales in excess of $12 billion is setting up an office in India with the aim of testing its drugs in the country and exploring opportunities for tie-ups.

"Amgen is currently forming local affiliate companies in Mumbai and Hong Kong that will have the capability to conduct clinical trials in India and East Asia.

Amgen's affiliate in Mumbai will support the company's clinical trials to take place in India," Mary Klem, Associate Director, Amgen, told Hindustan Times in an e-mailed response.

Industry sources said the company, which banks on innovation to develop therapeutic drugs, is also looking at partnerships that might lead to potential takeovers, though the company refused to divulge details on future plans.

"Amgen is contracting with partners in India and China for services to support its R&D (research and development) operations, including research, pre-clinical development, data management support and statistical programming," the e-mail said. Amgen has an annual research budget of $1.3 billion.

link to full article from Hindustan Times