Amgen expects to invest $1 billion over the next four years to expand its manufacturing capacity in Puerto Rico to meet rising global demand for the company's products.
Fabrizio Bonanni, senior vice president, manufacturing, said that the investment will include expansion of existing facilities in the company's manufacturing complex in Juncos, Puerto Rico, and the construction of a new formulation, fill and finish facility. Amgen expects to add approximately 500 staff members in Puerto Rico by 2010.
"By significantly increasing capacity in Puerto Rico and elsewhere around the world, Amgen enhances its ability to supply every patient, every time, with our vital medicines. We also position ourselves to deliver on Amgen's rich and diverse pipeline," said Bonanni
Bonanni said that Puerto Rico's attractive business climate and strong commitment to developing biotechnology manufacturing capability, as demonstrated by the formation of the Puerto Rico Science and Technology Trust and establishment of biotechnology manufacturing programmes at University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez and elsewhere, were key factors in the decision to expand operations there.
In Puerto Rico Amgen expects to enlarge its Neupogen (Filgrastim) and Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) bulk protein manufacturing facility, licensed in 2005, as well as the newly built Epogen (Epoetin alfa) and Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) bulk plant. In addition, the company anticipates construction of a new formulation, fill and finish facility as well as upgrades to its existing formulation, fill and finish operations, states the company release.