Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN), a US-based multinational biopharmaceutical company, yesterday launched Cholesterol 911, a national initiative urging high-risk cardiovascular disease patients to reduce their risk of another heart attack or stroke by addressing their continued high LDL-C, or 'bad' cholesterol.

Comedian and television host Jay Leno has partnered with Amgen to motivate patients and caregivers to 'get in the driver's seat' as it relates to their cholesterol management. Leno's humour and love of cars are at the forefront of this message. A series of videos set in Leno's garage sound the alarm on the connection between high cholesterol and its link to heart attack and stroke.

The launch follows the recently updated American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol which acknowledges the importance of significantly lowering cholesterol to reduce cardiovascular risk. Additionally, the guidelines recognise that patients with cardiovascular disease at very high risk of another heart attack or stroke and above certain LDL-C levels should consider talking to their doctor about what more could be done to effectively control their cholesterol.

Leno said, 'I have high cholesterol that thankfully I am able to control with the help of my doctor, but I've learned from some close friends about its connection to their heart attack or stroke.'

The multimedia news release is available at: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8490252-amgen-cholesterol-911/