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XGEVA is a drug recently approved by the FDA to help prevent skeletal injury in cancer patients after metastasis of solid tumors. When a tumor metastasizes to bone tissue, it needs to alter the environment so it can grow better. To do this, the tumor cells increase the activity of bone-destroying osteoclasts by producing a molecule called RANK. The osteoclasts weaken the bone, making it more susceptible to injury. XGEVA functions by blocking RANK signals sent by the tumor cell that activate osteoclasts. This helps prevent the bone from being de-calcified, and reduces the risk of fracture. XGEVA was also recently approved as a treatment against Giant Cell Tumors. It works in a similar manner. The giant cells are similar to osteoclasts, and require the same signal, RANK, to be activated. By blocking RANK binding to the giant cells, XGEVA helps prevent growth of the tumors. The results of testing of XGEVA as a therapeutic against Giant Cell Tumors was published in the journal Lancet Oncology.

Amgen is also looking into acquiring Onyx Pharmaceuticals. Onyx produces cancer therapeutics, including a multiple myeloma treatment called Kyprolis. Krypolis sales are expected to increase 9-fold in the next six years, making it potentially a very valuable commodity to any company that buys Onyx. In addition to Kyprolis, Onyx produces a variety of therapeutics for use in patients with breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, kidney cancer, and others. Onyx also has a 20% share in Stivarga, a compound being developed by Bayer as a therapeutic for use colon cancer patients.