Health and Healthcare
Amgen (AMGN) And Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): When The Patients Die
Published:
Two of the best-selling drugs in the US are Procrit from Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) and Aranesp from Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN). The products treat anemia in patients with kidney dialysis issues.
Studies now show that the drugs can cause death in cancer patients either from clots or an increased rate of growth in tumors. Concerns about the drugs are not new. According to The New York Times "Sales of Aranesp, Amgen’s best-selling product, declined to $3.6 billion last year from $4.1 billion in 2006."
It is not surprising that the companies defend the use of the drugs as being relatively safe. but it is possible that the side effects have been known by both firms for some time. They did create the products and test them extensively before submitting them to the FDA.
The new battle between the FDA and its scientists on the one hand and the pharma firms on the other is a repeat of a pattern that is now decades old. It puts the rights of patients against the right of the companies to make money. Ultimately, it puts the value of the stocks which shareholders hold at risk. By risking some liability, the firms have not done them any favors.
Douglas A. McIntyre
Take Charge of Your Retirement: Find the Right Financial Advisor For You in Minutes (Sponsor)
Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding professional guidance—and we’ve made it easier than ever for you to connect with the right financial advisor for your unique needs.
Here’s how it works:
1️ Answer a Few Simple Questions
Tell us a bit about your goals and preferences—it only takes a few minutes!
2️ Get Your Top Advisor Matches
This tool matches you with qualified advisors who specialize in helping people like you achieve financial success.
3️ Choose Your Best Fit
Review their profiles, schedule an introductory meeting, and select the advisor who feels right for you.
Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Click here to get started today!
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.