Amgen 4th quarter profit grows 30% on higher sales

Amgen Inc. reported that its fourth-quarter profit for 2014 increased 30% because of higher sales for most its drugs, including Epogen and Sensipar. The biotech company said that its net income was $1.02 billion, or $1.33 a share, up from $788 million or, $1.01 a share, in the same quarter last year.

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Amgen reported that fourth quarter total revenues increased 13% to $5,011 million, with product sales growing at 11%. The fourth quarter includes results for the company's acquisition of Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. on Oct. 1, 2013.

Sales performance of CKD and dialysis drugs
The company reported sales for Epogen (epoetin alfa), used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease in patients on dialysis, increased 10% in the fourth quarter, driven by higher unit demand. Sales increased 1% for the full year.

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Sales for Aranesp which treats anemia caused by chemotherapy and chronic kidney disease in patients on dialysis and not on dialysis decreased 4% in the fourth quarter and decreased 6% for the full year due mainly to lower unit demand.

Sales for Sensipar, indicated to treat of secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients, increased 20% for the fourth quarter and 15% for the full year. Sales increases were driven by higher unit demand and price, the company said.