In the mid-1990s, scientists in Amgen’s genomic drug discovery program identified a protein and a signaling pathway that revolutionized the scientific world’s understanding of bone biology and ushered in a new direction for scientific exploration and clinical development at Amgen. Through its intense scientific work, Amgen discovered the RANK Ligand pathway and elucidated its role in bone biology by specifically identifying osteoprotegerin (OPG). It is now understood that RANK Ligand is responsible for osteoclast-mediated bone loss and destruction in a broad range of conditions including osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, bone metastases and cancer-treatment induced bone loss.

Globally, more than 19,000 patients across all indications are participating in clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of an investigational treatment Amgen has developed to target RANK Ligand, the protein that mediates bone breakdown, in these conditions.

Amgen Corporate Communications is pleased to provide convenient access to a number of resources that may help to support an understanding of the RANK Ligand pathway.