THOUSAND OAKS, CA, USA I June 23, 2017 I Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion for the Marketing Authorization of a pediatric formulation (granules in capsule for opening) of Mimpara® (cinacalcet). Approval was recommended for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in children aged three years and older with end‑stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance dialysis therapy in whom secondary HPT is not adequately controlled with standard of care therapy.

“We are pleased by today’s positive CHMP opinion, as Mimpara could provide an important therapeutic option for pediatric patients living with secondary hyperparathyroidism,” said Sean E. Harper, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen.

The Marketing Authorization Application for Mimpara was based on studies Amgen began in 2007 to assess the use of Mimpara in pediatric secondary HPT patients, who have very few treatment options.

The CHMP positive opinion will now be reviewed by the European Commission, which has the authority to approve medicines for the European Union (EU). If approved, a centralized marketing authorization with unified labeling will be granted in the 28 countries that are members of the EU. Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, as members of the European Economic Area, will take corresponding decisions on the basis of the decision of the European Commission.

About Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a chronic and serious condition which affects many of the approximately two million people throughout the world who are receiving dialysis.1,2  It occurs in both adults and children. Approximately 88 percent of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on hemodialysis will develop secondary HPT.3 Secondary HPT refers to the excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands in response to decreased renal function and impaired mineral metabolism.1 The elevated levels of PTH can lead to an increase in the release of calcium and phosphate from the bone.4,5 Secondary HPT is often initially silent and asymptomatic. As a result, secondary HPT is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated.6 

About Mimpara® (cinacalcet)

Mimpara® (cinacalcet) was originally approved in the EU in 2004 and is the first oral calcimimetic agent approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of secondary HPT in patients with ESRD on maintenance dialysis therapy. The therapy is also approved in the EU for the reduction of hypercalcemia in adult patients with parathyroid carcinoma and with primary HPT for whom parathyroidectomy would be indicated on the basis of serum calcium levels (as defined by relevant treatment guidelines), but in whom parathyroidectomy is not clinically appropriate or is contraindicated. Mimpara binds to the calcium-sensing receptor, resulting in a drop in PTH levels by inhibiting PTH synthesis and secretion. In addition, the reductions in PTH lower serum calcium and phosphorus levels.

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.

SOURCE: Amgen