Solid results for Amgen but all eyes on denosumab

Amgen’s adjusted net income for the second quarter has edged up 1% to $1.33 billion, while turnover was up 2% to $3.80 billion.

Revenues from its anaemia drug Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) fell 13% to $603 million due to reimbursement problems and label changes, although sales of its older erythropoiesis stimulating agent, Epogen (epoetin alfa), were up 3% at $657 million.

Combined turnover of Amgen’s white blood cell stimulators Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) and Neupogen (filgrastim) increased 1% to $1.17 billion, while sales of the anti-inflammatory Enbrel (etanercept), partnered with Pfizer’s Wyeth unit and sold by Amgen in North America, were down 2% at $877 million.

Sensipar (cinacalcet), for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients, rose 3% to $172 million, while sales of the colorectal cancer drug Vectibix (panitumumab) were up to $72 million from $56 million.

In terms of guidance, Amgen said that due to the impact of a weaker euro it now expects full-year revenue to come in slightly below $15.1 billion, the lower end of its prior forecast range, while its adjusted earnings remains at the low end of its $5.05-$5.25 per share previous guidance.

Analysts were fairly unmoved about the results as they are waiting to see the impact of Prolia (denosumab) for osteoporosis which is being rolled out and is expected to be a blockbuster.