EXHIBIT 99.1


                    Press Release dated September 11, 1997 and 
                   titled "Amgen and NPS to Update Calcimimetics 
                          Development Plans" attached











             AMGEN AND NPS TO UPDATE CALCIMIMETICS DEVELOPMENT PLAN

     Salt Lake City, Utah (September 11, 1997) -- At a Healthcare Meeting in 
New York, Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) will update its strategy for the ongoing 
development of NPS Pharmaceuticals' (Nasdaq: NPSP) novel drugs, referred to 
as "calcimimetics" for treating primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism 
(HPT). In 1995, Amgen and NPS entered into an agreement for Amgen to develop 
and commercialize calcimimetic compounds based on NPS's proprietary 
technology. As a result of research and development experience to date, Amgen 
plans to elevate the calcimimetic program to a higher level of priority and 
also plans to start clinical trials with a second generation compound by the 
end of the first quarter of 1998.

     A Phase II study in patients with secondary HPT is currently ongoing. An 
interim analysis of this Phase II study showed that the first compound tested 
in humans, R-568, rapidly lowers parathyroid hormone levels to target ranges 
in dialysis patients with secondary HPT. The first of the calcimimetic class 
of compounds (R-568) is metabolized predominantly by polymorphic liver 
enzymes and has low bioavailability. This results in variability in blood 
levels of the drug. Preclinical testing suggests that second generation 
compounds will successfully address the concerns of polymorphism and low 
bioavailability of R-568.

     Kevin Sharer, President and COO of Amgen, commented on the development 
of calcimimetic compounds at Amgen by saying, "We are pleased that the 
current trial of R-568 has demonstrated proof of concept for controlling 
parathyroid hormone levels with these compounds. Calcimimetics are becoming 
an increasingly important part of our pipeline."

     Dr. Hunter Jackson, Chairman, CEO and President of NPS, stated: "The 
clinical performance of R-568 supports the usefulness of calcimimetic drugs 
in treating a complex disease in a patient population with serious health 
challenges. We are also pleased that Amgen expects to pursue an aggressive 
clinical development program in both primary and secondary HPT."

     NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a development-stage enterprise, is engaged in 
the discovery and development of small molecule drugs that target cell 
surface receptors and ion channels. The Company is pursuing treatments for 
central nervous system disorders, including pain, and brain damage from 
stroke or head trauma. NPS is also developing novel therapeutics for 
osteoporosis in connection with its corporate partner, SmithKline Beecham, 
and therapies for hyperparathyroidism with licensees, Amgen and the 
Pharmaceutical Division of Kirin Brewery in Tokyo.

     Amgen is a global biotechnology company that discovers, develops, 
manufactures and markets human therapeutics based on advances in cellular and 
molecular biology.

     NOTE: STATEMENTS INCLUDED WITHIN THIS PRESS RELEASE WHICH ARE NOT 
HISTORICAL IN NATURE CONSTITUTE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS FOR THE PURPOSES 
OF THE SAFE HARBOR PROVIDED BY THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT 
OF 1995. EDITORS AND INVESTORS ARE CAUTIONED THAT SUCH STATEMENTS INVOLVE 
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY 
FROM THOSE DESCRIBED HEREIN. CAREFUL CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS MADE IN AMGEN AND NPS DOCUMENTS RECENTLY FILED WITH THE 
SEC, IN PARTICULAR THEIR RESPECTIVE ANNUAL REPORTS ON FORM 10-K.


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