Back in May, at Dialysis & Transplant City, I predicted that Amgen would increase their pricing on EPO in June of this year. My prediction of Amgen's price increase has come true. I'm not gleeful on the accuracy of my prediction. In fact, I'm disappointed. I was hoping that Kevin Sharer had better sense than to increase pricing right after Medicare had lowered the reimbursement of EPO.

I'm sure that Mr. Sharer increased EPO pricing in hopes that CMS might up the reimbursement for EPO for the coming year, but with Medicares new Senior Drug Prescription program beginning in full ernest in 2006, I don't think that that is going to happen.

So, what's my point? Well, there will be less money to spend on patient care, updates for equipment, hiring of much needed new staff and, of course, raises for present hardworking staff. I hope that all who read this take the time to e-mail Kevin Sharer at: ksharer@amgen.com

Tell Mr. Sharer, who is the CEO of Amgen, how you feel about his recent 4.9% price increase. Will it do anygood? I can't predict whether it will or not, but I can certainly predict that there is no chance of anything happening if you don't act. Complacency has brought us to the point we are at, today.

How long will dialysis professionals remain silent? I don't think anyone wants to think of Amgen as the enemy of ESRD providers, but these constant price increases can't help but generate anger and resentment, especially with independent providers.

This recent 4/9% price increase can only be described as selfish (piggish). Some would say even heartless. Kevin Sharer is beholding to his stockholders, which is a given, but he also has a responsibility to his customers and the ESRD community. Ask Mr. Sharer to abandon the dark side and to bring Amgen back into the fold as a true partner of the ESRD community. Profit is a good thing, but it must be shared. The gluttony must stop.

Sincerely,

Joe Atkins