Amgen Inc. (Nasdaq: AMGN), Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and world-class professional golfer Phil Mickelson, have entered into a partnership to share Phil's experience with his diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis and treatment with Enbrel(R) (etanercept), and to encourage patients with similar symptoms to visit their doctor for proper assessment and care.
"This partnership with Amgen and Pfizer is important because being a psoriatic arthritis patient has motivated me to share my story," said Phil Mickelson. "I hope to encourage other patients to work with their doctors, learn about their condition and take action so that they have an opportunity to get back to some of the things that matter most to them."
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis caused by an overactive immune system that can affect not only the body's joints but also the skin. Approximately 600,000 Americans may have psoriatic arthritis. The main joint symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are pain, stiffness and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis patients experience similar symptoms, however there are important differences between the two conditions, making it important to see a doctor.
Amgen and Pfizer were inspired by Mickelson's approach to managing his condition and by his continued drive to maintain his health. Those same qualities have kept him on top of the competitive world of golf and this is why the companies are excited to be partnering with him. Amgen and Pfizer believe his perseverance in the face of adversity will encourage patients to also work with their doctors to manage their condition and help them get back on course.
Further details and timing of future partnership initiatives will be announced in 2011.
About ENBREL
ENBREL is a soluble form of a fully human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor with a clinical efficacy and safety profile established over 18 years of collective clinical experience. ENBREL was first approved in 1998 for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. ENBREL was approved in 2002 to treat psoriatic arthritis, and later approved for the treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis in 2003, and in 2004 to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Prescription ENBREL is given by injection.
Please see the Enbrel Prescribing Information and Medication Guide available at www.enbrel.com
About Phil Mickelson
Following brilliant amateur and collegiate careers that included victories in the 1990 U.S. Amateur, three NCAA Individual championships and the 1991 Northern Telecom Open on the PGA Tour, Phil Mickelson joined the Tour in 1992. With his four major championship titles and 35 Tour wins he ranks 11th on the all-time Tour winners list. Off the course, he is deeply involved with the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, which annually gives hundreds of teachers innovative ways to inspire their young students in math and science. He and his wife, Amy, also annually host Start Smart, which hosts 1,500 San Diego County elementary school children on a back-to-school shopping experience.
About Amgen
Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science's promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and our vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com.
Pfizer Inc: Working together for a healthier world(TM)
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world's best-known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the world's leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. To learn more about our commitments, please visit www.pfizer.com.