THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., October 30, 2000 -- Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced the introduction of Interleukin-1.com and Proinflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Primer for Clinicians, two new resources designed to provide health care professionals with updated, reliable and comprehensive information about the role of cytokines, specifically interleukin-1 (IL-1), in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Interleukin-1.com is the first Web site with the latest scientifically rigorous clinical data regarding IL-1 in RA. As 65 percent of physicians -- more than twice as many as four years ago -- use the Internet to access medical research today , the Web site provides a quick and easy way for rheumatologists to keep informed about new research through a medium many already utilize.
"There is mounting evidence that IL-1 plays a fundamental role in the disease progression of rheumatoid arthritis," said Keith Leonard, vice president of rheumatology marketing at Amgen. "As the only online resource about IL-1, Interleukin-1.com meets a need for rheumatologists and other health care professionals who want access to the latest research. It is another example of Amgen's commitment to research and scientific exchange in the area of rheumatology."
The Web site consists of access to published materials, including relevant articles and abstracts, plus the new expanded version of the popular Proinflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Primer for Clinicians. This book, authored by Dr. Charles A. Dinarello, professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, is intended to familiarize general health care professionals, as well as rheumatologists, with aspects of cytokine biology as they relate to the understanding of rheumatoid arthritis in humans.
The field of cytokine biology is rapidly expanding and the primer offers insight into the groundbreaking clinical work leading to the discovery of new cytokines. Research has shown that dysregulation of immune parameters in rheumatoid arthritis often correlates with cytokine abnormalities. Animal models have yielded vital preclinical information on the role of cytokines in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and the potential for novel, anticytokine-based therapies.
Other Web site highlights include:
- Presentation materials, such as "The Cytokine Network" interactive CD-ROM and accompanying slide programs, to assist rheumatologists in training their colleagues and staff about IL-1.
- Information on upcoming rheumatology-related conferences and symposia to enhance continuing education about the latest developments in the field.
- "Frequently asked questions" about IL-1.
- Links to other online sources for RA news and information.
- A history of rheumatology milestones.
CONTACT:
Amgen, Thousand Oaks
Rebecca Hamm, 805/447-3872 (media)
Cary Rosansky, 805/447-4634 (investors)
Amgen is dedicated to developing new and important therapies for rheumatoid arthritis. Amgen is a global biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and markets cost-effective human therapeutics based on advances in cellular and molecular biology.