Amgen is poised for strong growth in 2024. In mid-May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its treatment for patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), one of the first new breakthroughs for the field in decades. The drug, IMDELLTRA, has been shown to extend survival for ES-SCLC patients in clinical trials. The company has also shared that the interim results for its obesity drug, MariTide, are “encouraging.” And in February, Amgen opened a state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facility in central Ohio — its most technologically advanced site to date.
I recently sat down with Sandra Rodriguez Toledo, Vice President of Site Operations at Amgen Ohio, to hear more about Amgen’s growth, success, and approach to both science and business.
Amgen Ohio has been open for a little more than three months now. Tell me about what the Ohio facility has allowed Amgen to accomplish.
Amgen Ohio facility is a state-of-the-art assembly and packaging plant built to ensure Amgen’s capacity to support the growing demand for its medicines. Ultimately featuring eight manufacturing lines, it incorporates digital innovations to bolster safety and efficiency. This site is pivotal for Amgen, enabling the company to scale up manufacturing, streamline assembly and packaging operations, and embrace digital advancements. Moreover, it underscores Amgen’s commitment to sustainability, aiming to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. Since our FDA licensure in January, we’re already meeting our targets and have begun shipping product to serve our patients. This facility is not just a testament to Amgen’s growth but also a reflection of its dedication to innovation, sustainability, and addressing the healthcare needs of the U.S. market.
People are sometimes surprised to hear Amgen is here in Ohio, but Ohio has a unique setup that, I think, made it easier for Amgen to get up and running here. Can you tell us more about that?
Central Ohio — and, specifically, New Albany — met a lot of Amgen’s needs. Amgen was attracted to the growing and diverse talent pool and the positive business climate in the region, and the site itself allowed us to begin construction almost immediately. We’re proud to be a part of the New Albany International Business Park and contribute to the state’s growing reputation as the tech hub of the Midwest.
Amgen has had incredible scientific success this year, with IMDELLTRA’s approval and promising interim results from MariTide’s study. And of course, that means longer, higher-quality lives for patients. What is Amgen’s approach to centering patients and to science?
Amgen harnesses the best of biology and technology to make people’s lives easier, fuller and longer. At Amgen, we’re using science to go beyond what is known today and continuing to find new ways to combat diseases — often with first-of-its-kind therapies. We are also helping to build a better world by removing barriers that limit equitable access to healthcare by working to make our medicines available to more patients and adding broader representation in clinical trials and genetic databases, which are used to develop new therapies. Amgen’s manufacturing capabilities ensure that we can reliably produce our lifesaving products with the goal of reaching every patient, every time.
Amgen has harnessed AI to boost productivity and efficiency. Can you share a little more about how Amgen is utilizing AI?
At Amgen, artificial intelligence (AI) is more than a technological advancement — it’s a pivotal force transforming the future of biotechnology. Amgen is embracing a significant shift, integrating AI across all operational levels to enhance productivity, foster innovation, and unlock the potential to accelerate the development of new therapies. Along with this broad adoption of AI tools, Amgen has also outlined its Artificial Intelligence Vision, with commitments to build trustworthy AI tools and to use them responsibly. AI tools like these have the potential to enhance and augment human skill and creativity
Ohio has been recognized as a hub for pediatric care, medical device manufacturing, cell and gene therapy, and research. Why do you think that is? What is it about this state that makes it a good place for Amgen to call home?
Amgen’s investments in our network are designed to support our volume-driven growth strategy and ensure flexibility for future growth for all our products. We chose central Ohio in part because it met our infrastructure needs including strategic logistics near both customers and our Louisville distribution center. In addition, Columbus State and other community colleges, area colleges, and area workforce programs have been helpful for finding and developing talent. We’ve already created Amgen’s inaugural 18-month manufacturing apprenticeship, blending classroom and practical training without the requirement for a formal bachelor’s degree, and have also hosted more than 15 interns and co-ops.
The new Amgen site in Ohio is one of the corporation’s most technologically sophisticated and quickest-to-complete sites globally. Ohio Life Sciences is thrilled they have invested in our biotech ecosystem!
I’d welcome your thoughts and insights about this conversation — and about who I should talk with next!
-Eddie