Amgen Option Alert: Apr 17 $320 Calls at the Bid: 4548 vs 290 OI

Amgen Option Alert: Apr 17 $320 Calls at the Bid: 4548 @ $1.92 vs 290 OI; Ref=$295.9704

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) 株価情報

AMGEN INC

Amgen

Amgen is a leader in biotechnology-based human therapeutics. Flagship drugs include red blood cell boosters Epogen and Aranesp, immune system boosters Neupogen and Neulasta, and Enbrel and Otezla for inflammatory diseases. Amgen introduced its first cancer therapeutic, Vectibix, in 2006 and markets bone-strengthening drugs Prolia/Xgeva (approved 2010) and Evenity (2019). The acquisition of Onyx Pharmaceuticals bolstered the firm's therapeutic oncology portfolio with Kyprolis. Recent launches include Repatha (cholesterol-lowering), Aimovig (migraine), Lumakras (lung cancer), and Tezspire (asthma). The 2023 Horizon acquisition brought several rare-disease drugs, including thyroid eye disease drug Tepezza. Amgen also has a growing biosimilar portfolio.

Amgen Inc

Several exemptions exist among President Donald Trump&#8216;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44621408/market-access-has-a-price-trump-unveils-list-of-tariffs-countries-targeted" target="_blank" rel="noopener">broad tariffs</a>, which were announced on Wednesday. 
The biopharma industry has historically been shielded from tariffs, including during Trump&#8217;s first term. Given its significant manufacturing presence in Europe, investors had feared global tariffs could disrupt the sector.
Morningstar <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/biopharma-industry-exempt-global-10-tariff-we-still-see-margin-tax-rate-risks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reports</a> that with the U.S. importing approximately $200 billion in pharmaceuticals in 2024, a 10% tariff could have cost the industry $20 billion, with some of the largest firms facing annual tariffs of up to $1 billion.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44642463/french-president-macron-suggests-suspension-of-eu-investments-in-us-amid-tariff-turmoil" rel="noreferrer noopener">French President Macron Suggests Suspension Of EU Investments In US Amid Tariff Turmoil, Vows &#8216;More Powerful&#8217; Response</a>
Goldman Sachs expects continued volatility in the biotechnology sector (XBI and S&amp;P 500 are down about 14% and 7% year-to-date, respectively), driven by broader economic <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44631606/trumps-tariff-exemptions-include-semiconductors-pharmaceuticals-oil-and-more" rel="noreferrer noopener">uncertainty and unclear healthcare policy</a>.
Analyst Salveen Richter has analyzed geographic exposure and tax rates for individual companies and sees Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALNY#NASDAQ">ALNY</a>) in the strongest position, followed by Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>), Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) and Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIIB#NASDAQ">BIIB</a>).
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REGN#NASDAQ">REGN</a>) raises some concerns due to its significant presence in Ireland. If tariffs are applied, they would likely increase the cost of goods sold since companies often import ingredients or finished products into the U.S.
Analyst Richter adds that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMGN" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amgen</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ALNY" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alnylam</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BIIB" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biogen</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/REGN" rel="noreferrer noopener">Regeneron</a> are the least exposed to Medicaid risk.
Goldman Sachs said Friday that it&#8217;s been hard to measure the exact impact of potential tariffs on U.S. biopharma due to limited public data on where drugs are made.
Their analysis shows limited manufacturing exposure to Canada, Mexico and China. Pharmaceuticals from Canada and Mexico are also likely exempt under the USMCA trade deal. However, some companies do rely heavily on manufacturing in the EU.
If tariffs are placed on drugs made outside the U.S. and kept in place, they could raise manufacturing costs. Companies often import ingredients or finished products before selling them in the U.S. Some manufacturers are reportedly speeding up shipments from Europe out of concern that tariffs may apply to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/03/44440233/pharmaceutical-firms-say-uk-investment-is-unlikely-unless-payment-levy-is-adressed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">those products,</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/03/44440233/pharmaceutical-firms-say-uk-investment-is-unlikely-unless-payment-levy-is-adressed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> too</a>.
Goldman Sachs is also watching for exceptions or phased rollouts, pointing to a similar eight-year grace period in the Biosecure Act.
Still, the analyst writes that biopharma companies are generally resilient due to their high profit margins and globally spread operations.
Companies that produce small-molecule drugs might handle a U.S. manufacturing shift better than those making biologics since small molecules require less complex production.
Senator Ron Wyden has raised concerns about Pfizer Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) and Merck &amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) using offshore setups to reduce U.S. taxes.
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Photo: Shutterstock

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ALNY

AMGN

BIIB

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REGN

VRTX

Vertex, Alnylam Best Positioned As Biopharma Braces For Tariff Impact, Goldman Sachs Flags Regeneron, Biogen Risks

Dip-buying remained absent in early Friday trading in New York, with Wall Street deep in the red as global trade war fears continued to escalate, despite the March jobs report showed continued signs of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44645518/strong-jobs-report-offers-hope-but-will-it-be-enough-to-counter-tariff-turmoil">U.S. labor market resilience. </a>
The U.S. economy added 228,000 jobs in March—the strongest gain since December 2024—sharply beating expectations of 135,000, according to figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Still, the report did little to calm nerves. Investors fear it may be the last strong print for a while, with the economic impact of rising tariffs expected to seep into the data in the coming months.
The unemployment rate ticked up just 0.1 percentage points to 4.2%, remaining low by historical standards, while wage growth broadly aligned with forecasts. Average hourly earnings rose 0.3% month-over-month and 3.8% year-over-year.
Wall Street remained deep in the red after China announced a retaliatory 34% tariff on U.S. goods—matching the rate imposed by President Donald Trump on Wednesday—intensifying fears of a full-blown trade war.
Trump took to Truth Social on Friday. "Great job numbers, far better than expected. It's already working. Hang tough, we can't lose!"
He added. "China played it wrong, they panicked," and reassured investors: "This is a great time to get rich—richer than ever before!"
Investors are now on edge, awaiting remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell at 11:25 a.m. ET on Friday, hoping for any hint of a dovish shift in policy tone.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wall Street In Bloodbath: Could Powell Halt The Bleeding? </h3>
Here's how the key benchmarks moved at the open:
<ul>
<li>S&amp;P 500, tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), was down 2.9% by 9:55 a.m. in New York.</li>
<li>Dow Jones Industrial Average, tracked by the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>), fell 2.6%, officially entering correction territory after falling more than 10% from its late-2024 peak.</li>
<li>Nasdaq-100, tracked by the Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), fell 2.9%, hitting a 20% decline from all-time highs, entering a bear market. </li>
<li>Russell 2000, represented by the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>), fell 4.1%. </li>
</ul>
Every sector traded in the red, with heaviest losses concentrated in Energy&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>), down 5%, and Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLF#NYSE">XLF</a>), down 4%. 
While stocks continued to slump, bonds attracted haven flows. Yields on 10-year Treasury notes fell by 10 basis points to 3.94%. The popular iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) rose 1.5%. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top Performers Among Mega-Caps</h3>
<ul>
<li>American Tower Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMT#NYSE">AMT</a>) rose 1.80% to $232.30.</li>
<li>Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUK#NYSE">DUK</a>) gained 1.25%, trading at $125.59.</li>
<li>Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) advanced 1.18% to $313.50.</li>
</ul>
The biggest underperformers included:
<ul>
<li>Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>) dropped 7.63% to $58.24.</li>
<li>Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COF#NYSE">COF</a>) fell 6.75% to $152.97.</li>
<li>The Boeing Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) declined 6.67%, closing at $140.84.</li>
<li>Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) slid 6.47% to $20.98.</li>
</ul>
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</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="&#x1f534;WATCH LIVE: Fed Chair Jerome Powell &#x7C; Economic Outlook &#x7C; Apr 4, 2025" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wuhf8mg4C6k?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</figure>
Photo: Shuttertock

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SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

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iShares Trust Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund

Nasdaq 100 Enters Bear Market, Dow In Correction Territory, Traders Await Fed Chair Powell's Remarks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday approved Amgen Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) Uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon) as the first and only treatment for adult patients with Immunoglobulin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">G4-related disease (IgG4-RD)</a>.
IgG4-RD is a&nbsp;chronic immune-mediated fibroinflammatory disorder that often manifests with tumor-like masses and/or painless <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/n44634869/uplizna-inebilizumab-cdon-is-now-the-first-and-only-fda-approved-treatment-for-igg4-related-diseas" rel="noreferrer noopener">enlargement of multiple organs</a>.&nbsp;
This is the second approved indication for Uplizna, which the FDA previously approved for adult patients with AQP4-IgG+ Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) in&nbsp;June 2020.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44307450/amgens-uplizna-shows-improved-symptoms-in-patients-with-muscle-weakness-disorder-over-one-year" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amgen&#8217;s Uplizna Shows Improved Symptoms In Patients With Muscle Weakness Disorder Over One Year</a>
The FDA also granted Uplizna Orphan Drug Designation for generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). Regulatory filing activities are underway for gMG, and submission is anticipated to be completed in H1 2025.
The approval is supported by data from the MITIGATE trial. The trial demonstrated the potential of Uplizna to decrease disease activity by reducing flares in patients while maintaining its efficacy and established safety profile.
Key findings from the MITIGATE trial include:
<ul>
<li>There was an 87% reduction in the risk of IgG4-RD flare compared to placebo during the 52-week placebo-controlled period; 10.3% of participants receiving Uplizna experienced a flare compared to 59.7% of participants receiving placebo.</li>
<li>57.4% of participants receiving Uplizna achieved flare-free, treatment-free, and complete remission at Week 52 compared to 22.4% on placebo.</li>
<li>58.8% of participants receiving Uplizna achieved flare-free, corticosteroid-free, and complete remission at Week 52 compared to 22.4% on placebo.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Amgen Stock Prediction For 2025</h2>
Equity research analysts on and off Wall Street typically use earnings growth and fundamental research as a form of valuation and forecasting. But many in trading turn to technical analysis as a way to form predictive models for share price trajectory.
Some investors look to trends to help forecast where they believe a stock could trade at a certain point in the future. Looking at Amgen, an investor could make an assessment about a stock's long term prospects using a moving average and trend line. If they believe a stock will remain above the moving average, which many believe is a bullish signal, they can extrapolate that trend into the future using a trend line. For Amgen, the 200-day moving average sits at $306.84, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, which is below the current price of $309.85. For more on charts and trend lines, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">see a description here.</a>
Traders believe that when a stock is above its moving average, it is a generally bullish signal, and when it crosses below, it is a more negative signal. Investors could use trend lines to make an educated guess about where a stock could trade at a later date if conditions remain stable.
Price Action: AMGN stock is down 1.05% at $306.59 at the last check Friday.
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Photo: Shutterstock/JHVEPhoto

FDA Approves Amgen's Uplizna As First Drug For Chronic Immune-Mediated Fibroinflammatory Disorder

On CNBC's &#8220;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/04/03/final-trades-amgen-sabra-health-care-and-kinsale-capital-group.html">Halftime Report Final Trades</a>,&#8221; Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington of Gilman Hill Asset Management, LLC said Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBRA#NASDAQ">SBRA</a>) has an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SBRA/analyst-ratings">almost 7% dividend yield.</a>
Supporting this view, Truist Securities analyst Michael Lewis, on March 18, raised the price target on the stock from $17 to $18. The company posted better-than-expected earnings and sales results on Feb. 19 for the fourth quarter.
Joshua Brown of Ritholtz Wealth Management named Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KNSL#NYSE">KNSL</a>) as his final trade.
Kinsale Capital Group announced Thursday that it will release financial results for the first quarter after the closing bell on April 24. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly earnings at $3.22 per share, down from $3.5 per share in the year-ago period. Kinsale Capital projects quarterly revenue of $425.73 million for the recent quarter, compared to $372.79 million a year earlier.
Don't forget to check out our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/">premarket coverage here</a>
Joseph M. Terranova of Virtus Investment Partners picked Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>).
Adding support to his choice, Amgen, on Thursday, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved UPLIZNA as the first and only treatment for adults living with Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD).
Price Action:
<ul>
<li>Sabra Health Care gained 1.7% to close at $17.65 on Thursday.</li>
<li>Kinsale Capital shares rose 1.4% to close at $498.60 during Thursday's session.</li>
<li>Amgen shares gained 1.4% to settle at $309.85 on Thursday.</li>
</ul>
Check This Out: 
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Photo: Shutterstock

Trading Ideas

KNSL

SBRA

Amgen, Sabra Health Care And A Financial Stock On CNBC's 'Final Trades'

FDA Approves Amgen's UPLINZA As First And Only Treatment For Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease

CNBC Halftime Report Final Trades: Amgen, Kinsale Capital Group, Sabra Health Care REIT

Looking into the current session, Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) shares are trading at $305.50, after a 0.46% decrease. Over the past month, the stock fell by 3.50%, but over the past year, it actually went up by 13.95%. With questionable short-term performance like this, and great long-term performance, long-term shareholders might want to start looking into the company's price-to-earnings ratio. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743616818_0.png" alt="Past Year Chart" />

<h3>Evaluating Amgen P/E in Comparison to Its Peers</h3>
The P/E ratio is used by long-term shareholders to assess the company's market performance against aggregate market data, historical earnings, and the industry at large. A lower P/E could indicate that shareholders do not expect the stock to perform better in the future or it could mean that the company is undervalued. 
Compared to the aggregate P/E ratio of the 81.88 in the Biotechnology industry, Amgen Inc. has a lower P/E ratio of 40.6. Shareholders might be inclined to think that the stock might perform worse than it's industry peers. It's also possible that the stock is undervalued. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743616818_1.png" alt="Guage" />

In summary, while the price-to-earnings ratio is a valuable tool for investors to evaluate a company's market performance, it should be used with caution. A low P/E ratio can be an indication of undervaluation, but it can also suggest weak growth prospects or financial instability. Moreover, the P/E ratio is just one of many metrics that investors should consider when making investment decisions, and it should be evaluated alongside other financial ratios, industry trends, and qualitative factors. By taking a comprehensive approach to analyzing a company's financial health, investors can make well-informed decisions that are more likely to lead to successful outcomes.

Intraday Update

Markets

P/E Ratio Insights for Amgen

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Amgen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in AMGN usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 8 extraordinary options activities for Amgen. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 25% leaning bullish and 50% bearish. Among these notable options, 3 are puts, totaling $336,294, and 5 are calls, amounting to $246,138.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $185.0 to $370.0 for Amgen during the past quarter. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Amgen's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Amgen's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $185.0 to $370.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Amgen Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743532268_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$3.35</td>
<td>$3.57</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$245.9K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td align="right">723</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$6.45</td>
<td>$6.3</td>
<td>$6.35</td>
<td>$295.00</td>
<td>$61.4K</td>
<td>175</td>
<td align="right">147</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$3.55</td>
<td>$3.55</td>
<td>$370.00</td>
<td>$57.1K</td>
<td>1</td>
<td align="right">162</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$20.7</td>
<td>$20.3</td>
<td>$20.7</td>
<td>$305.00</td>
<td>$55.8K</td>
<td>701</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$22.75</td>
<td>$22.2</td>
<td>$22.49</td>
<td>$305.00</td>
<td>$47.2K</td>
<td>701</td>
<td align="right">21</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Amgen</h3>
Amgen is a leader in biotechnology-based human therapeutics. Flagship drugs include red blood cell boosters Epogen and Aranesp, immune system boosters Neupogen and Neulasta, and Enbrel and Otezla for inflammatory diseases. Amgen introduced its first cancer therapeutic, Vectibix, in 2006 and markets bone-strengthening drugs Prolia/Xgeva (approved 2010) and Evenity (2019). The acquisition of Onyx Pharmaceuticals bolstered the firm's therapeutic oncology portfolio with Kyprolis. Recent launches include Repatha (cholesterol-lowering), Aimovig (migraine), Lumakras (lung cancer), and Tezspire (asthma). The 2023 Horizon acquisition brought several rare-disease drugs, including thyroid eye disease drug Tepezza. Amgen also has a growing biosimilar portfolio.
<h3>Amgen's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 993,967, the AMGN's price is down by -1.09%, now at $308.15. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 30 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Amgen</h3>
1 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $294.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from B of A Securities has decided to maintain their Underperform rating on Amgen, which currently sits at a price target of $294. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Amgen options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

Amgen Options Trading: A Deep Dive into Market Sentiment

<a href="https://endpts.com/amgen-loses-challenge-to-colorado-drug-review-board/" title="https://endpts.com/amgen-loses-challenge-to-colorado-drug-review-board/">https://endpts.com/amgen-loses-challenge-to-colorado-drug-review-board/</a>

Legal

"Judge Tosses Amgen's Challenge To Colorado Drug Review Board, Says Suit Is 'Too Speculative'" - Endpoints News

Analyst Ratings

Live On CNBC, Kevin Simpson Announces Bought More Amgen; Bought Howmet Aerospace

Amgen's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NYSE">AMGN</a>) short percent of float has fallen 6.64% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 15.06 million shares sold short, which is 2.81% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 4.86 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Amgen Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743018320_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Amgen has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Amgen's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Amgen's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.85%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Is the Market Bullish or Bearish on Amgen?

Live On CNBC, Karen Firestone Announces Bought More HealthEquity; Bought Amgen

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on Amgen. Our analysis of options history for Amgen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) revealed 19 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 26% of traders were bullish, while 63% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 14 were puts, with a value of $762,532, and 5 were calls, valued at $755,304.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $290.0 to $340.0 for Amgen over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Amgen's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Amgen's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $290.0 to $340.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Amgen Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742930154_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$4.55</td>
<td>$4.25</td>
<td>$4.25</td>
<td>$340.00</td>
<td>$413.1K</td>
<td align="right">449</td>
<td align="right">977</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$3.8</td>
<td>$3.8</td>
<td>$312.50</td>
<td>$229.1K</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">605</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$10.6</td>
<td>$10.25</td>
<td>$10.6</td>
<td>$305.00</td>
<td>$72.0K</td>
<td align="right">735</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$1.81</td>
<td>$1.6</td>
<td>$1.7</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$71.7K</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
<td align="right">926</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$1.71</td>
<td>$1.44</td>
<td>$1.6</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$67.5K</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
<td align="right">504</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Amgen</h3>
Amgen is a leader in biotechnology-based human therapeutics. Flagship drugs include red blood cell boosters Epogen and Aranesp, immune system boosters Neupogen and Neulasta, and Enbrel and Otezla for inflammatory diseases. Amgen introduced its first cancer therapeutic, Vectibix, in 2006 and markets bone-strengthening drugs Prolia/Xgeva (approved 2010) and Evenity (2019). The acquisition of Onyx Pharmaceuticals bolstered the firm's therapeutic oncology portfolio with Kyprolis. Recent launches include Repatha (cholesterol-lowering), Aimovig (migraine), Lumakras (lung cancer), and Tezspire (asthma). The 2023 Horizon acquisition brought several rare-disease drugs, including thyroid eye disease drug Tepezza. Amgen also has a growing biosimilar portfolio.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Amgen, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Amgen</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 1,441,651, with AMGN's price down by -3.31%, positioned at $303.98.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 37 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Amgen</h3>
1 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $294.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from B of A Securities persists with their Underperform rating on Amgen, maintaining a target price of $294. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Amgen, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest made some notable trades, including significant buys and sells.
Ark Invest's fund bought Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IRDM#NASDAQ">IRDM</a>), Beam Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BEAM#NASDAQ">BEAM</a>), Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PACB#NASDAQ">PACB</a>) and Absci Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABSI#NASDAQ">ABSI</a>), while selling Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ILMN#NASDAQ">ILMN</a>), Repare Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RPTX#NASDAQ">RPTX</a>), Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), and Veeva Systems Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VEEV#NYSE">VEEV</a>).
The IRDM Trade: Ark Invest&#8217;s ARK Innovation ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKK#NYSE">ARKK</a>), ARK Autonomous Technology &amp; Robotics ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKQ#BATS">ARKQ</a>), and ARK Space Exploration &amp; Innovation ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKX#BATS">ARKX</a>) funds purchased a total of 68,355 shares of Iridium Communications Inc.
The total value of the shares bought, based on the last close price of $27.65, is approximately $1.89 million.
The BEAM Trade: Ark Invest&#8217;s ARKK and Ark Genomic Revolution ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKG#BATS">ARKG</a>) funds bought a total of 28,717 shares of Beam Therapeutics Inc.
The total value of the shares bought, based on the last close price of $23.3, is approximately $669,106.
The PACB Trade: Ark Invest&#8217;s ARKK fund bought a whopping 243,300 shares of Pacific Biosciences of California Inc.
The total value of the shares bought, based on the last close price of $1.3, is approximately $316,290.
Other Key Trades:
<ul>
<li>Illumina Inc: Ark Invest sold a total of 42,616 shares through ARKK and ARKG.</li>
<li>Absci Corp: Ark Invest&#8217;s bought 71,392 shares through ARKG.</li>
<li>Repare Therapeutics: Ark Invest sold 54,786 shares through ARKG.</li>
<li>Amgen Inc: Ark Invest sold 990 shares through ARKG.</li>
<li>Veeva Systems Inc: Ark Invest sold 1,322 shares through ARKG.</li>
</ul>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44434973/tesla-record-highest-trade-ins-amid-backlash-against-ceo-elon-musk-surge-in-vandalism">Tesla Record Highest Trade-Ins Amid Backlash Against CEO Elon Musk, Surge In Vandalism</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

ABSI

ARKG

ARKK

ARKQ

ARKX

BEAM

ILMN

IRDM

PACB

RPTX

VEEV

Cathie Wood's Ark Invest Scoops Up Iridium, Beam, Pacific Biosciences While Offloading Illumina And Amgen

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>PFE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$24.00</td>
<td>$50.5K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$60.2K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/28/25</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$473.7K</td>
<td>609</td>
<td>602</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HCA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$312.3K</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>502</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AKRO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$27.50</td>
<td>$35.0K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td>469</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GERN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/17/25</td>
<td>$1.00</td>
<td>$33.7K</td>
<td>413</td>
<td>397</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EWTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$32.2K</td>
<td>5.4K</td>
<td>332</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
<td>$53.6K</td>
<td>6.9K</td>
<td>295</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CAH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$44.2K</td>
<td>2.6K</td>
<td>188</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BMY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$57.50</td>
<td>$64.9K</td>
<td>9.5K</td>
<td>167</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding PFE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), we observe a call option sweep with neutral sentiment. It expires in 56 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 200 contract(s) at a $24.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $50.5K, with a price of $253.0 per contract. There were 2012 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2073 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VKTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, is expiring today. Parties traded 300 contract(s) at a $30.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $60.2K, with a price of $201.0 per contract. There were 2865 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1625 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMGN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 7 day(s) on March 28, 2025. Parties traded 600 contract(s) at a $320.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 57 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $473.7K, with a price of $779.0 per contract. There were 609 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 602 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding HCA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HCA#NYSE">HCA</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 27 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 474 contract(s) at a $320.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $312.3K, with a price of $660.0 per contract. There were 43 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 502 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AKRO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AKRO#NASDAQ">AKRO</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, is expiring today. Parties traded 20 contract(s) at a $27.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.0K, with a price of $1750.0 per contract. There were 2499 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 469 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding GERN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GERN#NASDAQ">GERN</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 210 day(s) on October 17, 2025. Parties traded 397 contract(s) at a $1.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.7K, with a price of $85.0 per contract. There were 413 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 397 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding EWTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWTX#NASDAQ">EWTX</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 27 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 104 contract(s) at a $30.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 21 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.2K, with a price of $310.0 per contract. There were 5479 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 332 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ABBV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 91 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 198 contract(s) at a $230.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 35 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $53.6K, with a price of $271.0 per contract. There were 6965 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 295 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CAH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAH#NYSE">CAH</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, is expiring today. Parties traded 137 contract(s) at a $130.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 14 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $44.2K, with a price of $325.0 per contract. There were 2600 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 188 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BMY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 91 day(s) on June 20, 2025. Parties traded 116 contract(s) at a $57.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $64.9K, with a price of $560.0 per contract. There were 9548 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 167 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ABBV

AKRO

EWTX

GERN

VKTX

10 Health Care Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) is urging ministers to address excessive levies on manufacturers to ensure the sector remains competitive globally.
The life sciences industry, a key pillar of the UK&#8217;s economic strategy, could struggle to attract investment unless payment rates are adjusted.
Last week, the government <a href="https://www.abpi.org.uk/media/news/2025/march/uk-set-to-demand-a-third-of-pharmaceutical-company-revenue-in-second-half-of-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proposed</a> raising the Statutory Scheme payment rate for newer branded medicines from 15.5% to 32.2% of subject companies&#8217; National Health Service (NHS) sales in the second half of 2025.
The payment rate is the revenue companies must hand back to the government on their sales of branded medicines to the NHS. It is an additional charge to the taxes paid by companies.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44362710/uk-pharma-industry-trade-association-restores-wegovyozempic-maker-novo-nordisks-membership-after-two-years-of-suspension" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Pharma Industry Trade Association Restores Wegovy/Ozempic Maker Novo Nordisk&#8217;s Membership After 2 Years Of Suspension</a>
UK pharmaceutical leaders from Amgen Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), AstraZeneca Plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>), Biogen Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIIB#NASDAQ">BIIB</a>), Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>), Daiichi Sankyo Ltd (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DSNKY#OTC">DSNKY</a>), Gilead Sciences Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>), Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), Merck &amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), Novartis AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>), Pfizer Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), Roche Holdings AG (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RHHBY#OTC">RHHBY</a>), Sanofi SA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNY#NASDAQ">SNY</a>), Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TAK#NYSE">TAK</a>) and UCB SA (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UCBJY#OTC">UCBJY</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UCBJF#OTC">UCBJF</a>) point to the challenges to investing in the U.K.
The pharmaceutical sector <a target="_blank" href="https://www.abpi.org.uk/media/news/2025/march/medicine-levy-makes-the-uk-un-investable-say-pharma-leaders/" rel="noreferrer noopener">contributes</a> over 17.6 billion pounds ($22.76 billion) directly to the U.K. economy, with an additional 45 billion generated through research and development spillovers.
However, companies argue that growth is being stifled due to escalating mandatory payments. Under the current system, firms must pay between 23.5% and 35.6% of their branded medicine sales revenue to the NHS. This is significantly higher than other European nations, where comparable rates range from 5.7% to 9%, ABPI writes.
The ABPI report highlights that while the UK once led in medicine availability, it has slipped to ninth place in Europe over the past decade. One year after launch, medicine usage in England is only 52% of the average of comparable nations, rising to 62% after five years.
Additionally, the UK has dropped from fourth to tenth in global rankings for phase 3 clinical trials, lagging behind Spain, Germany and Italy.
Investment in UK pharmaceutical research has also declined, with the country&#8217;s share of global R&amp;D investment falling from 7.3% to 5.7% in just three years.
This marks the fastest decline of any European G7 nation. Meanwhile, NHS funding has grown by 33% in real terms over the past decade, but spending on branded medicines has been capped at annual growth rates between 1.1% and 2%, declining by 11% when adjusted for inflation.
The industry and government have long collaborated on agreements to ensure NHS access to medicines.
The latest, the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines, Pricing, Access, and Growth (VPAG), was intended to realign UK payment rates with international standards. While rates for newer medicines briefly dropped to 15.1% in 2024, they surged again in 2025 to 23.5% for newer medicines, with companies still paying 10.6%-35.6% for older products.
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Photo: Shutterstock

Eurozone

DSNKY

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Pharmaceutical Firms Say UK Investment Is 'Unlikely' Unless Payment Levy Is Adressed

On Thursday, Wedbush initiated coverage on Zenas BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZBIO#NASDAQ">ZBIO</a>), a clinical-stage global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapies for autoimmune disease</a>.
Zenas BioPharma started trading on the NASDAQ in September 2024. The company closed an upsized initial public offering of 15.22 million shares at $17 per share, raising approximately <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/09/g40947700/zenas-biopharma-announces-closing-of-full-exercise-of-underwriters-option-to-purchase-additional-s" rel="noreferrer noopener">$258.7 million in gross proceeds</a>.
The company&#8217;s lead program obexelimab concluded enrollment in the Phase 3 INDIGO trial for immunoglobulin-G4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD). Topline data is expected <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/g43490556/zenas-biopharma-announces-key-2024-accomplishments-and-2025-business-objectives-to-support-the-glo" rel="noreferrer noopener">by the end of 2025</a>.
The company also initiated the Phase 2 MoonStone trial for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and the Phase 2 SunStone trial for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/03/44419721/ptc-therapeutics-reveals-new-sepiapterin-data-from-phase-3-study-in-patients-with-inherited-disorder-fda-decision-expected-in-july" rel="noreferrer noopener">PTC Therapeutics Reveals New Sepiapterin Data From Phase 3 Study In Patients With Inherited Disorder, FDA Decision Expected In July</a>
12-week primary endpoint results&nbsp;from the MoonStone trial&nbsp;are expected in the third quarter of 2025, and topline data from the&nbsp;SunStone trial&nbsp;are expected in the first half of 2026.
Analyst Martin Fan writes that obexelimab is a CD19 mAb that suppresses B cells, rather than eliminating them, to maintain immune protection against infections.
Wedbush initiated coverage with an outperform rating and a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ZBIO/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast of $35</a>.
Analyst Fan writes that the unique safety feature is especially important for conditions like IgG4-RD, MS, and SLE, where long-term safety and immune protection influence treatment decisions.
Demonstrating effectiveness in IgG4-RD and SLE reduces risk for ongoing programs and opens the door for expansion into other diseases where B cell depletion is an established treatment strategy.
&#8220;We encourage investors to investigate differentiating features and market opportunity for obexelimab ahead of an upcoming potential FDA approval of depleting CD19 mAb, Amgen Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) Uplizna in IgG4-RD, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/n44301271/uplizna-inebilizumab-cdon-significantly-improves-generalized-myasthenia-gravis-symptoms-in-acetylc" rel="noreferrer noopener">set for April 3</a>.&#8221;
&#8220;We hold a long-term favorable view of ZBIO given its low-risk approach targeting a validated mechanism in inflammation and immunology (I&amp;I), with potential to expand biologics market uptake through its first-in-class approach to maintaining protective immunity,&#8221; Wedbush analyst writes.
Price Action: ZBIO stock is up 2.36% at $8.45 at the last check Thursday.
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Analyst Color

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Zenas BioPharma Gains Outperform Rating From Analyst As Key Autoimmune Trials Progress

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Amgen.
Looking at options history for Amgen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) we detected 14 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 64% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 21% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 8 are puts, for a total amount of $302,794 and 6, calls, for a total amount of $582,200.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $260.0 to $330.0 for Amgen over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Amgen options trades today is 301.0 with a total volume of 2,103.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Amgen's big money trades within a strike price range of $260.0 to $330.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Amgen Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742490070_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$13.0</td>
<td>$12.4</td>
<td>$13.0</td>
<td>$315.00</td>
<td>$193.7K</td>
<td align="right">321</td>
<td align="right">58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$7.2</td>
<td>$7.45</td>
<td>$315.00</td>
<td>$149.0K</td>
<td align="right">693</td>
<td align="right">223</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/20/26</td>
<td>$38.8</td>
<td>$35.75</td>
<td>$37.25</td>
<td>$310.00</td>
<td>$74.5K</td>
<td align="right">27</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$12.85</td>
<td>$12.8</td>
<td>$12.8</td>
<td>$315.00</td>
<td>$69.1K</td>
<td align="right">321</td>
<td align="right">58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$19.4</td>
<td>$18.95</td>
<td>$18.95</td>
<td>$315.00</td>
<td>$64.4K</td>
<td align="right">134</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Amgen</h3>
Amgen is a leader in biotechnology-based human therapeutics. Flagship drugs include red blood cell boosters Epogen and Aranesp, immune system boosters Neupogen and Neulasta, and Enbrel and Otezla for inflammatory diseases. Amgen introduced its first cancer therapeutic, Vectibix, in 2006 and markets bone-strengthening drugs Prolia/Xgeva (approved 2010) and Evenity (2019). The acquisition of Onyx Pharmaceuticals bolstered the firm's therapeutic oncology portfolio with Kyprolis. Recent launches include Repatha (cholesterol-lowering), Aimovig (migraine), Lumakras (lung cancer), and Tezspire (asthma). The 2023 Horizon acquisition brought several rare-disease drugs, including thyroid eye disease drug Tepezza. Amgen also has a growing biosimilar portfolio.
<h3>Current Position of Amgen</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 723,222, with AMGN's price down by -0.67%, positioned at $313.64.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 42 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Amgen</h3>
Over the past month, 1 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $294.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from B of A Securities has decided to maintain their Underperform rating on Amgen, which currently sits at a price target of $294. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Amgen options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Behind the Scenes of Amgen's Latest Options Trends

UPDATE: Federal Circuit Affirms Denial Of Preliminary Injunction In Regeneron Pharmaceuticals V. Amgen, Upholding District Court's Finding Of No Likelihood Of Success On Patent Infringement Of U.S. Patent 11,084,865 Covering Eylea

Rumors

Watching Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Amgen; Traders Circulate Unconfirmed Rumor That Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Court Loss Against Amgen Affirmed On Appeal, Amgen Can Continue Selling Eylea Biosimilar

Press Releases

AMGEN TO PRESENT AT CITI'S 2025 VIRTUAL ONCOLOGY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

GeminiBio Appoints Mike Stella to Board

Small Cap

Opinion

Oncology Breakthroughs: How Cancer Research Is Advancing in 2025

AMGEN TO PRESENT AT THE 45TH ANNUAL TD COWEN HEALTH CARE CONFERENCE

POSITIVE RESULTS FROM TEZSPIRE® (TEZEPELUMAB-EKKO) PHASE 3 WAYPOINT TRIAL HIGHLIGHT RAPID, SUSTAINED EFFECT IN CHRONIC RHINOSINUSITIS WITH NASAL POLYPS

Dividends

AMGEN ANNOUNCES 2025 SECOND QUARTER DIVIDEND

AMGEN ALERT: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is Investigating Amgen Inc. on Behalf of Long-Term Stockholders and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm

AMGEN AND KYOWA KIRIN PROVIDE TOP-LINE RESULTS FROM ROCATINLIMAB PHASE 3 IGNITE STUDY IN ADULTS WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE ATOPIC DERMATITIS

UPLIZNA® (INEBILIZUMAB-CDON) SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVES GENERALIZED MYASTHENIA GRAVIS SYMPTOMS IN ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTOR AUTOANTIBODY-POSITIVE PATIENTS OVER 52 WEEKS

UPLIZNA® (INEBILIZUMAB-CDON) IS NOW THE FIRST AND ONLY FDA-APPROVED TREATMENT FOR IGG4-RELATED DISEASE

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