Amgen’s Discovery Research Unit takes a modality-independent, biology-first approach to prosecute a wide array of drug targets. In late 2012, Amgen acquired deCODE Genetics in Reykjavik, Iceland, and we exploit their unique capabilities to identify novel drug targets supported by strong human genetic validation. The Neuroscience Therapeutic Area is comprised of two closely integrated research groups located at the Amgen headquarters in Thousand Oaks, CA and at Amgen’s site in Cambridge, MA. Amgen Neuroscience is committed to serving patients by carrying out innovative science and unlocking the potential of biology, and is focused on developing new and effective therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and ALS), migraine and chronic pain. Along with a strong early stage discovery pipeline across these areas, our late-stage Alzheimer’s disease group is preparing to carry out clinical studies in collaboration with Novartis to assess the ability of small molecule BACE (b-secretase) inhibitors to ameliorate disease symptoms, our migraine franchise is poised for approval of an anti-CGRPR mAb for the prevention of migraine headaches, and our late-stage discovery analgesia group has developed small molecule Nav1.7 inhibitors for the treatment of chronic pain.

Host: Justin Ichida

Live webcast at keckmedia.usc.edu/stem-cell-seminar