AMGEN Invests 20% of its Annual Turnover in Scie and New Medicines

Dr. Krasimira Chemishanksa is the Executive Director of AMGEN for Bulgaria – one of the leading biotechnology companies in the world. She holds a degree in Medicine from the Medical University – Sofia. She started her career in clinical immunology, followed by more than 20 years of experience in leading multinational pharmaceutical companies. She is also the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Association of Research-based Pharmaceutical Manufacturers in Bulgaria (ARPharM).

The pharmaceutical industry, and biotechnology in particular, is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. As one of the leading biopharmaceutical companies, do you see an increase in the share of biotechnology medicines?

This is undoubtedly a trend not only in Bulgaria but also on a global scale, which has its explanation. Research of biological processes and the knowledge about the human genome open up new possibilities for treatment of many diseases that are currently considered incurable. Now, they are about 20% of all medicines, but their number is growing rapidly. 4 out of every 5 new molecules are biotechnological. The creation of these innovative medicines posts serious challenges. On the one hand, for pharmaceutical companies, there is a need for large-scale investment in research and development in order for new, effective medicines to be developed (over USD 2.5 billion). On the other hand, for healthcare institutions and funds, to provide funding and access for patients to new therapies.

Are huge investments in new drugs and therapies worth it?

Every effort that benefits patients and addresses unmet medical needs is a step forward. Biotechnology medicines have a very high specificity; we are now talking about personalized therapy based on biomarkers, which is a huge advancement in modern medicine. Therefore, they are also much more efficient and of higher value, but their application leads to saving lives, prolonged survival, and benefits to society from saved indirect costs. Amgen invests about 20% of its annual turnover in the development of science and new medicine breakthroughs.

In what areas and diseases are Amgen’s research studies focused?

They are related to serious socially significant diseases, such as cancer, haematology, nephrology and bone diseases – osteoporosis and bone metastases.

This year you are celebrating 10 years on the Bulgarian market. What has AMGEN Bulgaria achieved during this period?

Ensuring that Bulgarian patients have access to the latest advances of biotechnology in medicine has been a top priority for us all these years.

We strive for the new discoveries and concepts of treatment to reach the Bulgarian medical community as quickly as possible. That is why, over the years, we have developed a large-scale and long-term educational project among doctors and students – Amgen Biotech Academy.

Along with this important anniversary, we are also celebrating fifteen years since the start of the Amgen Clinical Trials program in Bulgaria, during which the company has made serious investments.

One of the undeniable successes of AMGEN Bulgaria is the prestigious Tor Employers Institute Certificate, which distinguishes the best employers. Our company has received it for 3 consecutive years for the extremely good working conditions and development opportunities for the team.