Amgen Gets Approval for Expanded Use of Epogen

Amgen Inc., the Thousand Oaks-based biotechnology company, said it has received government approval for expanded use of its red blood cell-producing factor Epogen.

The drug can now be given to patients experiencing only moderate loss of red blood cells. Previously, Epogen use was restricted to patients with severe red blood cell loss.

Epogen is commonly given to replenish the red blood cells of patients receiving kidney dialysis. The company projected that, at least in the short term, effects on sales resulting from expanded use of Epogen would be minimal. Sales of Epogen were $586.9 million in 1993.