Amgen's rare disease drug linked to deaths, liver injuries in Japan, WSJ reports

At least 20 people in Japan who took Amgen's rare disease drug have died, while 22 others developed potentially fatal liver injuries, according to a WSJ report citing Kissei Pharmaceutical. The safety issues are materially negative for Amgen and could trigger regulatory scrutiny, litigation risk, and pressure on the drug's commercial outlook. The news is likely to weigh on sentiment across the stock and the broader biotech space.

Analysis

At least 20 people in Japan who took Amgen's rare disease drug have died, while 22 others developed potentially fatal liver injuries, according to a WSJ report citing Kissei Pharmaceutical. The safety issues are materially negative for Amgen and could trigger regulatory scrutiny, litigation risk, and pressure on the drug's commercial outlook. The news is likely to weigh on sentiment across the stock and the broader biotech space.