Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) announced that the Amgen Foundation has pledged $3 million to support urgent Hurricane Maria relief efforts in Puerto Rico. The Foundation also has committed up to an additional $2 million for longer-term rebuilding efforts. Amgen is also activating its Staff Disaster Relief Fund to aid Amgen staff in Puerto Rico, including financial assistance for shelter, medical attention, clothing and other critical relief.
"Our thoughts are with our colleagues, their families and everyone impacted by the devastation in Puerto Rico. We are committed to assisting with the relief and rebuilding efforts for all those who call the island their home," said Cynthia M. Patton, chief compliance officer at Amgen and chair of the Amgen Foundation Board of Directors.
"This is a true humanitarian crisis impacting 3.5 million people on the island, including over 2,000 Amgen staff and their families. This commitment from the Amgen Foundation reflects our heartfelt concern for the community," said Esteban Santos, executive vice president of Operations at Amgen and member of the Amgen Foundation Board of Directors. "In addition, Amgen is working to ensure access to our medicines for patients in Puerto Rico and to returning our operations in Juncos to normal as quickly as possible."
The Amgen Foundation will also match donations made by Amgen staff around the globe who wish to contribute their own funds to the relief efforts resulting from Hurricanes Maria, Irma and Harvey, as well as the earthquakes in Mexico.
About the Amgen Foundation
The Amgen Foundation seeks to advance excellence in science education to inspire the next generation of innovators, and invest in strengthening communities where Amgen staff members live and work. To date, the Foundation has donated over $250 million to local, regional, and international nonprofit organizations that impact society in inspiring and innovative ways. The Amgen Foundation brings the excitement of discovery to the scientists of tomorrow through several signature programs, including Amgen Scholars, Amgen Biotech Experience, and Amgen Teach.
About Amgen
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.
Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.