The Serious Speculator

VO Financial Corporation Offers Consultation and Financial Services for Timeshare Consumers

Serious Speculator — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:07:46 +0000

VO Financial has developed the solution with a Debt Reduction Deed Replacement Program

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – VO Financial, the leading provider of financial and consultation services for timeshare consumers, has developed a unique solution for timeshare owners who are stuck in a financial nightmare due to lies, misrepresentations, and/or predatory lending practices.

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“The Debt Reduction Deed Replacement Program has shown over time to be a proven service where VO Financial consultants will work closely with clients assisting them towards the goal of eliminating existing timeshare obligations along with the facilitation of a new timeshare ownership that is affordable and debt-free,” says Kevin Ulrich, Esq. – General Counsel for VO Financial Corporation.

As Section 1414 of the Federal Dodd-Frank Act permits, timeshare mortgages, as opposed to residential personal mortgages, are specifically permitted to utilize the non-judicial foreclose process i.e. a deed in lieu of foreclosure in addition to other state specific legislation permitting the same (FL Code Ch. 721, F.S.). A deficiency judgment will not be entered against the person after receiving a deed in lieu so as to eliminate all obligations associated with the timeshare and the accompanying debt.

VO Financial is the largest timeshare consulting firm in the country and the pioneer of providing resolutions to timeshare victims who have otherwise been trapped. Lee Acker – Vice President of Nashville, TN says, “When a timeshare owner is stuck in between a rock and a hard place all we need is a jack hammer. We have the intellect and capability of rewinding the clock and placing a client back to a timeframe when they were happy with their ownership and felt it was an honest purchase.”

About VO Financial Corporation

VO Financial Corporation specializes in helping victims of timeshare fraud, misrepresentation, and or predatory lending practices. VO Financial Corporation offers specialized retail installment financing options to consumers who have otherwise been denied. VO Financial Corporation is the largest timeshare consulting firm in the world and understands the difficulties of timeshare owners can face. We do not care about your past history because we focus our energies on providing you with a brighter future. VO Financial currently serves over 9000 clients in the US Canada. For more information about VO Financial, visit its website at www.vofinancial.com

SOURCE VO Financial Corporation

RELATED LINKS
http://www.vofinancial.com

Article source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vo-financial-corporation-offers-consultation-and-financial-services-for-timeshare-consumers-152100745.html

CoSine Communications, Inc. Announces Financial Results for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2012

Serious Speculator — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:07:45 +0000

LOS GATOS, Calif., May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – CoSine Communications, Inc. (COSN.PK), today announced net loss of $170,000 or $(0.02) loss per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 as compared to net loss of $310,000 or $(0.03) per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

About CoSine Communications
CoSine’s strategic plan is to redeploy its existing resources to identify and acquire, or invest in, one or more operating businesses with the potential for generating taxable income and/or capital gains. This strategy may allow CoSine to realize future cash flow benefits from its net operating loss carry-forwards (“NOLs”). No assurance can be given that CoSine will be able to utilize its existing NOLs.

CoSine’s Certificate of Incorporation limits the ability of any group or person to acquire 5% or more of CoSine’s common stock (subject to certain exceptions as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation) in order to protect CoSine’s ability to utilize its NOLs and renders inapplicable to CoSine the limitations of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

On March 16, 2011 the Company filed a Form 15 with the Securities and Exchange Commission deregistering its common stock and suspending its reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. CoSine presently intends to continue to make available its periodic financial information.

CoSine’s common stock is currently traded in the Pink Sheets under the symbol COSN.PK and its website is www.cosinecom.com

For additional information contact:

Terry Gibson
(408) 399-6494
E-mail: Terry.Gibson@Cosinecom.com

SOURCE CoSine Communications, Inc.

Coinstar, Inc. to Present at the Morgan Stanley Retail Conference

Serious Speculator — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:07:45 +0000

My news for Investors

BELLEVUE, Wash., May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Coinstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSTR) announced that Galen C. Smith, Senior Vice President of Finance of its Redbox business, plans to present at the 2nd Annual Morgan Stanley Retail Restaurant Conference in Boston on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at 3:15 p.m. EDT. The presentation will feature an informal QA discussion moderated by a Morgan Stanley host.

The presentation will be webcast live and archived on the Investor Relations section of Coinstar’s corporate website at www.coinstarinc.com.

About Coinstar, Inc.

Coinstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSTR) is a leading provider of automated retail solutions offering convenient services that make life easier for consumers and drive incremental traffic and revenue for retailers. The company’s core automated retail businesses include the well-known Redbox® self-service DVD and video game rental and Coinstar® self-service coin-counting brands. The company has approximately 36,800 DVD kiosks and 20,200 coin-counting kiosks in supermarkets, drug stores, mass merchants, financial institutions, convenience stores, and restaurants. For more information, visit www.coinstarinc.com.

SOURCE Coinstar, Inc.

"The Keys to Finishing 2012 as Successfully as You Started It"

Serious Speculator — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:07:44 +0000

Prospect Mortgage Real Estate Agent Training Webinar Available May 23

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SHERMAN OAKS, Calif., May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — National real estate expert and sales guru Steve Harney and best-selling author and Prospect Mortgage’s Chief Performance Officer Todd Duncan will co-host an informative, one-hour webinar, “The Keys to Finishing 2012 as Successfully as You Started It,” on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at 11 a.m. Pacific Time.

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Part of the Prospect Mortgage Real Estate Agent Learning (REAL) program, the webinar offers real estate agents nationwide strategies for personal success and creating value for their clients in a changing marketplace. This is the third live webinar in the REAL series – and the 12th online training module – since the REAL program was launched in February 2012. Topics slated for discussion during the May 23rd webinar include increasing buyer and seller conversion rates, re-working your annual goals to align with the year’s expanding possibilities, uncovering hidden opportunities in an improving market, and riding the current momentum to an exceptional finish in 2012.

The webinar will also address the critical areas of lead generation, buyer aggregation, database and customer relationship management systems, marketing, and high-trust selling.

Steve Harney, founder of Keeping Current Matters, is a sales and leadership training expert. Working with his KCM team, Steve has helped more than 100,000 real estate professionals understand the importance of “keeping current” and using strong visuals to effectively communicate with buyers and sellers.

Todd Duncan is a New York Times best-selling author, an authority on relationship-based selling skills, and an executive leader at Prospect Mortgage. He has more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry as a trainer and motivational speaker.

Prospect Mortgage invites interested real estate agents nationwide to register online for the May 23rd webinar at www.learnwithprospect.com. The online event begins at 11 a.m. Pacific Time (1 p.m. Central and 2 p.m. Eastern).

Prospect Mortgage is a leading national lender offering a full range of quality home loans, including FHA and VA, conventional, jumbo and super jumbo, renovation, and more. It is backed by Sterling Partners, a growth-oriented private equity firm with approximately $5 billion of assets under management and offices in Chicago, Baltimore, and Miami. For more information, visit Prospect Mortgage online at www.MyProspectMortgage.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ProspectMtg, and on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/MyProspectMtg.

Equal Housing Lender. Prospect Mortgage is located at 15301 Ventura Blvd., Suite D300, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. Prospect Mortgage, LLC (Unique Identifier #3296) is a Delaware limited liability company licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act and operates with the following licenses: AK Mortgage Lender/Broker License AZ Mortgage Banker License To check the license status of your CO mortgage broker, visit www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/index.htm; GA Residential Mortgage License IL Residential Mortgage Licensee Kansas licensed mortgage company; MA Mortgage Lender/Broker License MS Licensed Mortgage Co.; MT Residential Mortgage Lender Licensee Licensed by the NH Banking Dept.; Licensed Banker-NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance NV Division of Mortgage Lending Mortgage Banker #1173 and Mortgage Broker Operates as Prospect Lending, LLC in NY (Licensed Mortgage Banker – NYS Department of Banking); OR Mortgage Lender Licensee #ML-2006; PA Dept. of Banking license RI Licensed Lender #20021343LL, Loan Broker licensed by the VA State Corp. Commission as MC-2195. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. This is not an offer to enter into a rate lock agreement under MN law, or any other applicable law.

SOURCE Prospect Mortgage

Article source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-keys-to-finishing-2012-as-successfully-as-you-started-it-152103975.html

Thompson Creek Metals Company Reports a Slough at its Thompson Creek Mine

Serious Speculator — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:07:43 +0000

My news for Investors

NYSE: TC
TSX: TCM
TSX-V: TRX.WT

DENVER, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Thompson Creek Metals Company Inc., a
growing, diversified North American mining company (the “Company” or
“Thompson Creek”), today reported that on May 15, 2012, a wall slough
occurred in the Phase 7 mining area of the Thompson Creek mine. The
Company believes the slough resulted from water pressure behind the
wall due to seasonal run-off. There were no injuries or equipment
damage and management believes that the event will not have a material
impact on the current mine plan. Management will continue to evaluate
the potential impacts, if any, to the Company’s 2012 production and
cost guidance for the mine.

About Thompson Creek Metals Company Inc.
Thompson Creek Metals Company Inc. is a growing, diversified North
American mining company. The Company produces molybdenum at its
100%-owned Thompson Creek Mine in Idaho and Langeloth Metallurgical
Facility in Pennsylvania and its 75%-owned Endako Mine in northern
British Columbia. The Company is also in the process of constructing
the Mt. Milligan copper-gold mine in central British Columbia, which is
expected to commence production in 2013. The Company’s development
projects include the Berg copper-molybdenum-silver property and the
Davidson molybdenum property, both located in central British
Columbia. Thompson Creek has approximately 1,100 employees. Its
principal executive office is in Denver, Colorado and its Canadian
administrative office is in Vancouver, British Columbia. More
information is available at www.thompsoncreekmetals.com.

Pamela Solly
Director, Investor Relations
Thompson Creek Metals Company Inc.
Tel: (303) 762-3526
psolly@tcrk.com

Christine Stewart
Renmark Financial Communications Inc.
Tel: (416) 644-2020
cstewart@renmarkfinancial.com

SOURCE Thompson Creek Metals Company Inc.

Article source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thompson-creek-metals-company-reports-a-slough-at-its-thompson-creek-mine-152104725.html

Finkelstein & Krinsk LLP Advise Investors To Act By July 13, 2012 To Seek Appointment As Lead Plaintiff In Class Action Lawsuit Against JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Serious Speculator — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:07:42 +0000

My news for Investors

NEW YORK, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — On May 16, 2012, FINKELSTEIN KRINSK LLP and MURRAY FRANK LLP filed a class action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of JPMorgan Chase Co. (“JPMorgan”) (NYSE: JPM) common stock during the period between April 13, 2012 and May 10, 2012. The case number is 1:12-cv-03879.

Investors have 55 days, until July 13, 2012, to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the case. If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions concerning your rights or interests, please contact plaintiff’s counsel, William R. Restis, Esq. of Finkelstein Krinsk at 877-493-5366, or via e-mail at wrr@classactionlaw.com.

The lawsuit alleges that Defendants violated the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by making false and misleading statements in the Company’s April 13, 2012 earnings conference call with investors. The misstatements concerned the loss and risk of loss arising from massive bets on derivative contracts related to credit indexes for corporate bonds. Plaintiff Saratoga Advantage Trust alleges that instead of disclosing the extremely risky nature of JPMorgan’s derivative bets, and the actual losses that the Company had incurred, Defendants falsely characterized the derivative positions as mere “hedging” strategies. Defendants misrepresented the derivative positions as hedges to imply that they posed no risk to the Company. The lawsuit alleges this was false.

These derivative bets went horribly wrong. In JPMorgan’s May 10, 2012 conference call, defendant Jamie Dimon disclosed “slightly more than $2 billion trading loss under synthetic credit positions.” As a result of this disclosure, JPMorgan’s common stock has fallen nearly 18%, losing more than $27 billion in market capitalization. Analysis by Plaintiff’s counsel indicates that losses will increase.

Finkelstein Krinsk is a national law firm representing institutional investors and consumers in complex class action cases. The firm is responsible for many landmark decisions, recovering billions of dollars in value for shareholders and consumers since 1987.

SOURCE Finkelstein Krinsk LLP

Article source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/finkelstein--krinsk-llp-advise-investors-to-act-by-july-13-2012-to-seek-appointment-as-lead-plaintiff-in-class-action-lawsuit-against-jpmorgan-chase--co-152105285.html

Steve Jobs Movie Begins Filming in the Original Apple Garage

Serious Speculator — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:07:41 +0000

Ashton Kutcher Stars in Title Role

LOS ANGELES, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – The film chronicling the life of Steve Jobs, the Apple Inc. co-founder and charismatic master of innovation, begins principal photography in June and in keeping with the project’s commitment to accuracy and authenticity, will film early scenes in the actual Los Altos home where Jobs grew up and in the historic garage where he and Steve Wozniak founded Apple.

Titled jOBS, the biopic stars Ashton Kutcher as the iconic Silicon Valley visionary, and will shed new light on Steve Jobs‘ most defining and personal moments, motivations, and the people that drove him. The film covers Jobs from his early years as an impressionable youth and wayward hippie, through his initial successes and infamous ousting, to his storybook return and ultimate triumphs as a man who set out to change the world and did just that.

Executive producer Mark Hulme and Five Star Feature Films launched the production immediately following Jobs’ retirement in August 2011. Screenwriter Matt Whiteley, while penning the script, utilized a team of expert researchers based on months of exhaustive research and interviews with Steve Jobs‘ friends, colleagues, and mentors to develop the most truthful and gripping picture of Jobs’ life.

From director Joshua Michael Stern (Swing Vote, Neverwas), and Oscar winning cinematographer Russell Carpenter (Titanic), jOBS details the major moments and defining characters that influenced Steve Jobs on a daily basis from 1971 through 2000.

jOBS chronicles the 30 most defining years of Steve Jobs‘ life, as seen through his, colleagues’, and friends’ eyes. Dark, honest, and uncompromising, jOBS plunges into the depths of his character, creating an intense dialogue-driven story that is as much a sweeping epic as it is an immensely personal portrait of Steve Jobs‘ life.

A rousing narrative of this business and tech icon, jOBS pulls no punches and does not speculate, telling only the candid and captivating account of the life of Steven Paul Jobs.

The film is represented by Creative Artists Agency.

jOBS will be released in late fall 2012. For more information go to www.thejobsmovie.com.

SOURCE Five Star Feature Films

RELATED LINKS
http://www.thejobsmovie.com

Article source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/steve-jobs-movie-begins-filming-in-the-original-apple-garage-152105905.html

Utah Becomes 32nd State To Boast All-American Johnny Rockets

Serious Speculator — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:07:40 +0000

Unique Dining Destination Creates Buzz in Beehive State with Delicious Food and Fun Ambiance

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ALISO VIEJO, Calif., May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Johnny Rockets swarmed into the Beehive State yesterday by opening its first restaurant in Station Park, slated to be the preeminent lifestyle shopping center in the Salt Lake City region. With an all-American menu that includes mouthwatering Hamburgers, American Fries served with a ketchup smiley face, thick Shakes and classic sandwiches – along with their signature friendly service, timeless music and upbeat dance routines – Johnny Rockets is the go-to dining destination for mall shoppers as well as Farmington residents and visitors to the area.

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(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120112/LA35131LOGO)

An international restaurant chain that has offered the food, fun and friendliness of feel-good Americana since 1986, Johnny Rockets is the place to go for relaxed, casual fun. Of particular interest to families visiting Station Park’s children’s play area and park is their Rocket Kids menu that features Mini Hamburgers, Chicken Tenders, Mini Hot Dogs or Grilled Cheese served with kid-sized American Fries and their choice of a kids’ beverage. And each Hamburger on the Johnny Rockets menu can be made with ground beef, ground turkey, chicken breast, or 100% soy Boca® Burger – the latter being of particular interest to those preferring a meatless option.

This new location marks the first foray into Utah by Alex Ghomi and Max Javadi, successful Johnny Rockets franchise partners who operate four additional restaurants in Irvine, Anaheim, Torrance and Valencia, CA. “We’re thrilled to introduce Utahans to the magic of Johnny Rockets,” said Javadi. ”And we couldn’t ask for a better location than Station Park. Parents and children can enjoy our classic American food, timeless music, and family-friendly atmosphere before or after they shop, go to a movie, or experience all that this ever-evolving shopping center has to offer.”

“As the 13th biggest state in the US, Utah represents an incredible opportunity for Johnny Rockets,” added John Fuller, CEO and president of Johnny Rockets. ”With its robust tourism, family-focused religious community, and myriad of outdoor recreation activities and area attractions, Utah – and historic Farmington, in particular – is an ideal place to introduce our unique dining experience.”

A grand opening celebration for the new restaurant is scheduled for early June. Planned activities include menu sampling, prize giveaways, photo opportunities, and a host of other fun, interactive events designed to maximize guest engagement and officially welcome Johnny Rockets to the Farmington area.

The new Johnny Rockets Station Park restaurant is located in the Village near the Cinemark Theater, at the intersection of I-15, Highway 89 and Legacy Parkway. The 2,200-square-foot restaurant is open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.

For more information about Johnny Rockets and its franchising opportunities, go to www.johnnyrockets.com.

Photos available upon request.

SOURCE Johnny Rockets

RELATED LINKS
http://www.johnnyrockets.com

Article source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/utah-becomes-32nd-state-to-boast-all-american-johnny-rockets-152107595.html

TNP Strategic Retail Trust Acquires Willow Run Shopping Center in Denver Suburb

Serious Speculator — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:07:39 +0000

IRVINE, Calif., May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — TNP Strategic Retail Trust, Inc. (the “Company”), a public non-traded REIT that invests in grocery and drug-store anchored, multi-tenant necessity retail properties and other real estate-related assets, announced today the completion of the Company’s eighteenth acquisition, Willow Run Shopping Center, a retail center located in Westminster, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.

Willow Run Shopping Center is a 95,791 square-foot retail center built in 1999 and anchored by Safeway, a SP Rated BBB grocery store. The center is 88 percent leased by a variety of national and regional tenants including: McDonald’s (SP Rated A), Advance America, Allstate, Subway and Rosati’s Pizza.

“Willow Run Shopping Center is located in a thriving suburb of Denver with a dense, growing population of more than 90,000 residents within a three-mile radius and solid credit tenants, including Safeway and McDonald’s,” said Thompson National Properties’ senior vice president, acquisitions, Steve Corea. “The center has more than 30,000 vehicles pass by the property each day and is easily accessible from major traffic arteries, including Interstate 25 and Federal Blvd.”

About TNP Strategic Retail Trust, Inc.
TNP Strategic Retail Trust, Inc. is a publicly registered non-traded REIT that invests in grocery and drug-store anchored, multi-tenant necessity retail properties, located primarily in the Western United States, and real estate related assets, including investment in or origination of mortgage, mezzanine, bridge and other loans related to commercial real estate. TNP Strategic Retail Trust has acquired 18 shopping centers in 14 states containing more than 1.8 million square feet at an overall purchase price of approximately $231 million. For more information regarding TNP Strategic Retail Trust, please visit www.tnpsrt.com.

About Thompson National Properties, LLC
Thompson National Properties, LLC (TNP) is an international real estate advisory company, specializing in the creation and management of real estate investment funds. TNP uses a variety of investment structures to fit the needs of its investors, which are designed for both institutional and high net worth individual investors. Thompson National Properties is also a leader in both property and asset management and receivership services, a key element in any successful commercial real estate investment in today’s lender-driven marketplace.

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Thompson National Properties was founded in April 2008 and has six regional offices. As of May 18, 2012, Thompson National Properties manages a portfolio of 151 commercial properties, in 30 states, totaling approximately 17.4 million square feet, on behalf of over 5,600 investor/owners with an overall purchase value of $2.1 billion. For more information regarding Thompson National Properties, please visit www.tnpre.com.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.

SOURCE TNP Strategic Retail Trust, Inc.

Amgen’s BiTE® Antibody Blinatumomab (AMG 103) Achieved High Rate Of Complete Response In Adult Patients With Relapsed Or Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Serious Speculator — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:07:38 +0000

My news for Investors

Greater than 70 Percent of Patients in the Study Achieved Complete Response

Median Survival 9.0 Months, with a Median Follow-up of 10.7 Months

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Median Survival 9.0 Months, with a Median Follow-up of 10.7 Months

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) today announced updated results from a Phase 2 study that showed treatment with blinatumomab (AMG 103) helped achieve a high-rate of complete response (CR) in 72 percent of adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated in the study. Blinatumomab is the first of a new class of agents called bi-specific T cell engagers (BiTE®) antibodies, designed to harness the body’s cell-destroying T cells to kill cancer cells. Blinatumomab targets cells expressing CD19, a protein found on the surface of B-cell derived leukemias and lymphomas, such as ALL. Full results of the study will be presented during an oral abstract session at the 48th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on June 4. (Abstract Number 6500; Oral Presentation, 8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. CDT, E354a).

In this Phase 2 single-arm dose-ranging trial, 26 of the 36 patients treated with blinatumomab across all of the tested doses and schedules achieved a CR or complete response with partial hematologic recovery (CRh*). All but two patients achieved a molecular response, meaning there was no evidence of leukemic cells by polymerase chain reaction.

For patients who received the selected dose and schedule, the most common adverse events were grade one or two and included pyrexia (70 percent), headache (39 percent), tremor (30 percent) and fatigue (30 percent). These were most frequently seen at the onset of treatment in cycle one. Reversible central nervous system events led to treatment interruptions in six patients with two patients permanently discontinuing treatment. Cytokine release syndrome led to treatment interruption in two patients. One patient had a fatal event of fungal infection that the investigator considered related to treatment.

At the time of the analysis, median survival was 9.0 (8.2, 15.8) months with a median follow-up period of 10.7 months. In the group of patients who received the selected dose, median survival was 8.5 months. The median duration of response in the 26 patients who responded to treatment was 8.9 months.

“For these patients with limited treatment options, the remission rate observed in the trial is a vast improvement over the current standard of care,” said Professor Max Topp, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Wuerzburg and chair of the study. “These results also represent significant progress in our research of immunotherapies; a new approach to fighting cancer that we believe could make a real difference for patients.”

Phase 2 Study Design

This Phase 2 dose-ranging study evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of blinatumomab in adult patients with B-precursor ALL who had relapsed following treatment with standard front-line chemotherapy or allogeneic stem cell transplant. Patients received blinatumomab for 28 days followed by two weeks off therapy over a six week treatment cycle, for up to five treatment cycles. Patients received a continuous intravenous infusion of blinatumomab at an initial dose of five or 15 micrograms per meter squared per day, ranging up to 30 micrograms for the remainder of the treatment. The primary endpoint of the study was the rate of CR/CRh*. Secondary endpoints included molecular response rate, duration of response and overall survival. As of April 13, 2012, all 36 patients were evaluable for efficacy and safety.

In addition to the results from this study, data from studies of 12 Amgen investigational molecules and marketed products will be presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting. These include results from studies of the immunotherapy talimogene laherparepvec, pipeline molecules such as rilotumumab (AMG 102) and AMG 386 and marketed products. A complete listing of Amgen abstracts of interest can be found at www.amgen.com/media/featured_content.html. Abstracts are available online at www.asco.org.

About Blinatumomab

Blinatumomab (AMG 103) is a bispecific T cell engager (BiTE®) antibody designed to direct the body’s cell-destroying T cells against target cells expressing CD19, a protein found on the surface of B-cell derived leukemias and lymphomas. The modified antibodies are designed to engage two different targets simultaneously, thereby juxtaposing T cells to cancer cells. Blinatumomab is the first of the BiTE antibodies and Amgen has received orphan drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of ALL, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), hairy cell leukemia, prolymphocytic leukemia and indolent B cell lymphoma and from the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of indolent B cell lymphoma, ALL, CLL and mantle cell leukemia (MCL).

About ALL

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. The disease progresses rapidly and affects immature blood cells, rather than mature ones.(1) Worldwide, ALL accounts for more than 12 percent of leukemia. Of the 42,000 people diagnosed worldwide, 31,000 will die from the disease.(2) Patients with ALL have abnormal white blood cells (lymphocytes) that crowd out healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, leading to infection, anemia (fatigue), easy bleeding and serious side effects.(3,4)

About Amgen

Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science’s promise by bringing safe, effective medicines from lab to manufacturing plant to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bone disease and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people’s lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and vital medicines, visit http://www.amgen.com/. Follow us on http://twitter.com/amgen.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial metrics, expected legal, arbitration, political, regulatory or clinical results or practices, customer and prescriber patterns or practices, reimbursement activities and outcomes and other such estimates and results. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and more fully described in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reports filed by Amgen, including Amgen’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and most recent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. Please refer to Amgen’s most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K for additional information on the uncertainties and risk factors related to our business. Unless otherwise noted, Amgen is providing this information as of May 16, 2012 and expressly disclaims any duty to update information contained in this news release.

No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from those we project. Discovery or identification of new product candidates or development of new indications for existing products cannot be guaranteed and movement from concept to product is uncertain; consequently, there can be no guarantee that any particular product candidate or development of a new indication for an existing product will be successful and become a commercial product. Further, preclinical results do not guarantee safe and effective performance of product candidates in humans. The complexity of the human body cannot be perfectly, or sometimes, even adequately modeled by computer or cell culture systems or animal models. The length of time that it takes for us to complete clinical trials and obtain regulatory approval for product marketing has in the past varied and we expect similar variability in the future. We develop product candidates internally and through licensing collaborations, partnerships and joint ventures. Product candidates that are derived from relationships may be subject to disputes between the parties or may prove to be not as effective or as safe as we may have believed at the time of entering into such relationship. Also, we or others could identify safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with our products after they are on the market. Our business may be impacted by government investigations, litigation and products liability claims. We depend on third parties for a significant portion of our manufacturing capacity for the supply of certain of our current and future products and limits on supply may constrain sales of certain of our current products and product candidate development.

In addition, sales of our products are affected by the reimbursement policies imposed by third-party payors, including governments, private insurance plans and managed care providers and may be affected by regulatory, clinical and guideline developments and domestic and international trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment as well as U.S. legislation affecting pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement. Government and others’ regulations and reimbursement policies may affect the development, usage and pricing of our products. In addition, we compete with other companies with respect to some of our marketed products as well as for the discovery and development of new products. We believe that some of our newer products, product candidates or new indications for existing products, may face competition when and as they are approved and marketed. Our products may compete against products that have lower prices, established reimbursement, superior performance, are easier to administer, or that are otherwise competitive with our products. In addition, while we routinely obtain patents for our products and technology, the protection offered by our patents and patent applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by our competitors and there can be no guarantee of our ability to obtain or maintain patent protection for our products or product candidates. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to produce commercially successful products or maintain the commercial success of our existing products. Our stock price may be affected by actual or perceived market opportunity, competitive position, and success or failure of our products or product candidates. Further, the discovery of significant problems with a product similar to one of our products that implicate an entire class of products could have a material adverse effect on sales of the affected products and on our business and results of operations.

The scientific information discussed in this news release related to our product candidates is preliminary and investigative. Such product candidates are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and no conclusions can or should be drawn regarding the safety or effectiveness of the product candidates. Only the FDA can determine whether the product candidates are safe and effective for the use(s) being investigated. Healthcare professionals should refer to and rely upon the FDA-approved labeling for the products, and not the information discussed in this news release.

CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks
Christine Regan, 805-447-5476 (media)
Arvind Sood, 805-447-1060 (investors)

(1)Definitionof Acute lymphocytic leukemia.Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acute-lymphocytic-leukemia/DS00558. Accessed April 16, 2012.

(2) World. Globocan 2008 website. http://globocan.iarc.fr/factsheet.asp. Accessed May 4, 2012.

(3) Causesof Acute lymphocytic leukemia.Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acute-lymphocytic-leukemia/DS00558/DSECTION=causes. Accessed April 16, 2012.

(4)Symptoms of Acute lymphocytic leukemia. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acute-lymphocytic-leukemia/DS00558/DSECTION=symptoms. Accessed April 16, 2012.

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SOURCE Amgen