Core Insights - Amgen Inc. is recognized as one of the Best Wide Moat Stocks due to its strong intellectual property and brand reputation [1] - The launch of AmgenNow, a direct-to-patient program for Repatha, aims to reduce drug prices significantly, with a monthly price of $239, approximately 60% lower than the current US list price [1] - Amgen announced a $650 million expansion of its US manufacturing network to enhance drug production and integrate advanced technologies [2] - Despite strong sales growth in key drugs, Amgen faced challenges from macroeconomic factors, including potential tariff impacts and drug pricing pressures [3] - The company reaffirmed its commitment to domestic manufacturing with $2 billion expansions planned in Ohio and North Carolina, building on over $5 billion in US operational investments since 2017 [3] - Amgen's pipeline remains robust, with positive results from trials for gastric cancer and a weight-loss drug, MariTide, which shows promise for convenient dosing [3]

Core Insights - Amgen has launched a direct-to-consumer program called AmgenNow, offering significant discounts on its drugs, starting with Repatha, which is priced at $239 per month, representing a nearly 60% discount from its U.S. list price [1][8] - The direct-to-patient price for Repatha is the lowest among G-7 advanced economies, targeting uninsured patients and those on high-deductible health plans [2] - Amgen has partnered with GoodRx to provide Repatha at the same price across 70,000 pharmacies nationwide [3] Financial Performance - Repatha has shown strong sales growth since its launch in 2015, with $696 million in sales during Q2 2025, a 31% increase year over year [4] - The company anticipates that Repatha will evolve into a multi-billion-dollar franchise by 2030 [4] Strategic Initiatives - The launch of AmgenNow aligns with political pressures for pharmaceutical companies to reduce drug prices and improve domestic operations [3][9] - Amgen has made significant investments in U.S. manufacturing, including a $650 million investment to expand its network, a $600 million science and innovation center in California, a $900 million manufacturing expansion in Ohio, and a $1 billion facility in North Carolina [10] Industry Context - Amgen's actions may reflect a broader industry trend, following Pfizer's recent agreement with the Trump administration to align drug prices with those in other developed nations [11][12] - The developments from both Amgen and Pfizer could signal a turning point in easing regulatory and pricing pressures in the pharmaceutical industry [12] Stock Performance - Year-to-date, Amgen's shares have increased by 13%, outperforming the industry average growth of 8% [6]

Group 1 - The biotechnology company has launched a new direct-to-patient program called AmgenNow, which initially focuses on its drug Repatha [1]

Core Insights - Amgen has launched a new direct-to-patient program called AmgenNow, offering Repatha at a monthly price of $239, which is nearly 60% lower than the current U.S. list price [2][3] - The program aims to support patients, including those uninsured or with high-deductible health plans, making it easier for them to access Repatha, which has shown significant clinical benefits in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events [1][2] - Repatha is a PCSK9 inhibitor that has been studied for 15 years in over 50 clinical trials involving more than 57,000 patients, demonstrating its effectiveness in lowering LDL cholesterol levels [3][4] Pricing and Accessibility - The AmgenNow program is available to all Repatha patients, including those on government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and does not require prior authorization or step therapy from insurers [2][3] - The new pricing structure positions Repatha as the lowest-priced option among economically developed G-7 countries, reflecting Amgen's commitment to making medications more accessible [2][3] Clinical Background - Repatha works by inhibiting PCSK9, which allows for increased recycling of LDL receptors, thereby lowering LDL cholesterol levels in the blood [3] - The drug is approved in over 74 countries, including the U.S., Japan, Canada, and all EU member states, with applications pending in other regions [4] Indications and Safety Information - Repatha is indicated for adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with specific types of hypercholesterolemia, and it is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise [7] - Important safety information includes contraindications for patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions to evolocumab, and common adverse reactions reported include nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections [6][8]