Amgen moving up

Amgen will likely to be among the top 10 largest pharmaceutical manufacturers in U.S. sales by the end of 2003, IMS VP-Industry Relations Doug Long tells National Association of Chain Drug Stores conference Aug. 26 in Philadelphia. Noting that Amgen grew 34.4% to $6.67 bil. in sales for the 12 months through June, Long said "my prediction would be that when the year 2003 is over, Amgen will be in the top 10 pharmaceutical companies, making the first time a biotech company is in the top 10." Aventis currently holds the number 10 spot, with $6.73 bil. in sales for the 12 months through June (up 17.1%). The number nine and eight spots, held respectively by Lilly (up 4.6% to $7.15 bil.) and Wyeth (up 2.5% to $7.38 bil.), also appear to be within Amgen's reach...