A malignant bone marrow disease in which blood-forming cells are arrested in early development. NEUPOGEN® has been approved for treatment of AML since 1998.

One of the four bases found in DNA, also found in RNA. It pairs with thymine in DNA, and uracil in RNA.

A way of identifying ligands based on their tendency to attach to a specific protein target.

Small protein or organic molecules that bind to receptor proteins, causing a change in cell activity.

A disease of the brain resulting in loss of brain cells, causing progressive memory loss and dementia. It is one of many neurological disorders currently targeted by Amgen researchers.

The building blocks of proteins. The unique sequence of amino acids in a chain defines the character of a protein molecule. Amgen scientists use known amino acid sequences in the process of generating therapeutic human proteins.

A disease resulting in a shortage of red blood cells, preventing the body from carrying oxygen to the body's tissues and organs. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, confusion or loss of concentration, dizziness or fainting, and difficulty sleeping. EPOGEN® and Aranesp® are both used in the treatment of anemia caused by chronic renal failure.

The process by which the body forms and develops new blood vessels. Angiogenesis can be both beneficial and harmful; while it can be used to stimulate development in new blood vessels to fight clogged arteries, it also allows malignant tumors to increase in size. Angiogenesis is a primary focus of Amgen's cancer research.

Molecules that bond to the receptor site of a protein. Unlike agonists, antagonists suppress or inhibit the function of the protein to which they bind. The screening of antagonists is an element of Amgen's neuroscience research.

A component of the body's immune response. A Y-shaped protein, it is secreted in response to an antigenic stimulus. It neutralizes the antigen it by binding to it. Antibodies are just one type of protein researched by Amgen scientists.

The cell's self-destruct mechanism, also known as "programmed cell death." In this process, the cell dies via "self digestion," without rupturing and releasing its contents into the surrounding tissue. Without normal cell apoptosis, cells can grow uncontrollably, causing cancer. This loss of the self-destruct mechanism is a focus of Amgen's cancer research.

A technique using photography to detect radioactively-labeled molecules. By placing molecular material on a piece of film, suspending movement, and exposing the film, scientists can detect the exposed molecules visually. The technique was used by Dr. Fu Kuen Lin to isolate the human gene for erythropoietin.

Cells found in many organs that make antibodies.

The collection, storage, and use of genomics data with the intent of accomplishing a research objective.

The transfer of bone marrow, the blood cell-producing tissue found in bone cavities, from one patient to another. NEUPOGEN® is used in conjunction with the procedure to reduce the duration of neutropenia.

A type of small molecule compound used to fight hyperparathyroidism, a condition resulting from oversecretion of parathyroid hormone. Calcimimetric compounds act as calcium receptors on the surface of cells responsible for controlling the hormone's secretion.

Diseases resulting from unregulated growth among the body's own cells. The growth is caused by mutations in the genetic material of cancerous cells. Amgen's cancer research efforts focus on the discovery and development of novel cancer therapeutics.

A "complementary" DNA used in the identification of expressed genes. Amgen scientists construct cDNA libraries to isolate "interesting" genes for sequencing.

The cycle of DNA replication and cellular division that a cell progresses through in order to divide into two cells. It is thought that understanding more about the cell cycle could lead scientists to a better understanding of cancer.

The tendency of cells, in particular cancer cells, to divide indefinitely. Cellular immortality is a focus of Amgen's cancer biology efforts.

Any therapy using chemically-synthesized drugs; more commonly, the application of such methods in the treatment of cancer. NEUPOGEN® is used to reduce the risk of infection during some chemotherapy treatments.

The cultured animal cells used to express high levels of EPOGEN® for later purification.

A condition caused when 70% of kidney function is irreversibly destroyed. Renal failure affects nephrons, the tiny units responsible for filtering out toxins and wastes from the blood, to the point where uremic poisoning results. EPOGEN® and Aranesp® are used in the treatment of this condition.

The replication of a DNA sequence from one organism to another through genetic engineering. This process enables Amgen to produce large quantities of therapeutically useful human proteins, such as erythropoietin.

A word for an individual amino acid. Each codon is a string of exactly three bases. A gene is a sequence comprised entirely of codons.

A scientific technique in which a large number of new chemicals are created, compiled into a library, and screened for potential therapeutic use.

The contents of the cell's protoplasm apart from the nucleus.

One of the four bases found in DNA. It pairs with guanine.

The structural component of a cell; its internal framework.

A condition in which the body is unable to maintain control of glucose levels in the blood.

A complication of diabetes as a result of high glucose levels which affects the kidneys.

A treatment given to end-stage renal disease patients, in which a machine filters waste products from the bloodstream, restoring the blood's normal constituents. EPOGEN® is used with patients on dialysis, while Aranesp® is effective with patients on and off dialysis.

A classification of arthritis drugs used to relieve the pain of swollen joints and slow joint damage. Patients who have failed one or more DMARDs have had success with Kineret®.

The source material of all genetics. DNA is composed of subunits called nucleic acids. Molecular systems interpret the sequence of these subunits to produce proteins.

The enzyme that creates a bond between the ends of single-stranded DNA segments to form a duplex DNA chain. Where restriction enzymes are the scissors of recombinant DNA technology, DNA ligase is the glue.

A disease characterized by the body's failure to rid itself of wastes, usually caused by diabetes. ESRD is the final step to the deterioration of the kidneys.

The many proteins produced by organisms to act as biochemical catalysts. Enzymes are the mediators of cell metabolism.

A hormone produced in the kidneys to stimulate stem cells in bone marrow, thereby increasing the number of red blood cells. EPOGEN® is Amgen's brand name for this protein, which fights anemia.

Organisms whose DNA is found within the cell nucleus. The DNA in eukaryotes is found in larger structures called chromosomes.