Amgen Inc. said it will vigorously defend itself against lawsuitsfiled in the U.S. District Court for the Central District ofCalifornia that accuse the company and two of its officers ofviolating securities laws.

The lawsuits allege that Amgen failed to disclose fullyinformation concerning its sales of Neupogen from Jan. 12 toFeb. 24, the Thousand Oaks, Calif., company said. The suit seeksunspecified damages on behalf of a class of investors whopurchased Amgen shares during that period, the company said.

The company's stock (NASDAQ:AMGN) tumbled $9.25 a share,or 20 percent, last Thursday after Amgen announced lastWednesday that disappointing Neupogen sales would cause thecompany to report earnings for the quarter that were belowStreet estimates.

Amgen claims that the lawsuits lack merit.

Amgen's stock closed Friday at $36.25 a share, down 75 cents.

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