By David Brem, OurWorld Editor
The world’s largest biotechnology company is nearly doubling their R&D capacity in the UK.
Over 300 new highly skilled jobs will be created as the company develops an 85,000 square ft European Development Centre in London, and expands its Cambridge science operation.
Strategy to maximise growth
Amgen needed to develop a substantial European R&D presence to support the more than 40 new products it has in the pipeline.
The expanded UK operation will coordinate the vital development programmes for these products in such areas such as cancer and osteoporosis.
Highly skilled and flexible labour force
“The UK has the scientific talent and capabilities Amgen needs to take it to the next stage of its development,” said Dr Jeremy Haigh, Amgen's European Head of R&D.
The expansion will create new positions for all aspects of development including biostaticians, clinical researchers, data and project managers, regulatory and safety experts as well as support functions.
“The decision confirms the UK as a major worldwide scientific hub for Amgen,” said Dr Haigh.
Why two UK locations?
Amgen chose an Uxbridge Business Park as the location for their European Development Centre.
Being based there places them in the heart of the West London Bio-Pharma cluster.
“It also has excellent communications to the USA where our headquarters are based,” added Dr Haigh.
Scientific excellence
However it was a proven scientific track record and existing which sealed the decision to grow in the East of England.
“Cambridge has a longstanding commitment to science and remains one of Europe’s most important biotechnology centres,” Dr Haigh said.
“Amgen has had a presence in Cambridge for 15 years and has recruited more than 100 people there in the last 12 months.”
Key component of major European expansion
While the decision to select the UK as their scientific base was a conclusive one, Amgen felt it important to spread their European operations right across the continent.
At one end, the company will locate a major production plant in Ireland.
At the other, Switzerland will become the HQ for all commercial operations outside North America and Japan.
Top employer
Amgen - which is based at Thousand Oaks, California - employs some 14,000 people worldwide in the manufacture and distribution of bio pharmaceutical products.
They’ve been named one of the ‘100 best companies to work for’ by Fortune magazine seven times.
This year Amgen ranked number 39.
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