Amgen Inc. is the manufacturer of Filgrastim (Neupogen). This medication stimulates the growth of white blood cells in the body, and is used to treat neutropenia, a lack of certain white blood cells caused by cancer, bone marrow transplant, receiving chemotherapy, or by other conditions.

Neutropenia is a common side effect in pets receiving chemotherapy.  This medication is extremely useful in helping these animals continue the course of their treatment with few/minimal interruptions. 

While an extremely beneficial medication, the cost of this medication can be upwards of $500 per injection.

Amgen Inc. currently does not have any programs in place to assist pet owners with the cost of this medication, and owners pay the full cost out-of-pocket.

Inspiration for starting this petition:

Our 8.5 year old Labrador has been fighting High Grade B-cell Lymphoma since September of 2014.  We learned early into the treatment process that he has naturally low white blood cell counts which leaves him particularly susceptible to neutropenia after receiving chemotherapy. 

In the five months he's been in treatment for Lymphoma he has needed several injections of Neupogen.  The cost has been staggering.

After contacting Amgen Inc. to ask if they offer financial assistance for pet owners, I was informed no such program exists at the company.  They do offer co-pay assistance for individuals with insurance, but nothing is offered to address veterinary needs.  I was told no one has ever asked for it.

This petition is meant to draw attention to a need, and hopefully to inspire Amgen to provide some form of financial assistance to pet owners who are struggling to care for their loved ones.