Exhibit 99.1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE               CONTACT: Robin Shapiro (media)
May 16, 2002                                 206.389.4040

                                             Mark Leahy (investors)
                                             206.389.4363


                        IMMUNEX SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE
                      PROPOSED MERGER WITH AMGEN INC.

SEATTLE -- Immunex Corporation (Nasdaq: IMNX) announced today that its
shareholders have voted to approve the merger agreement between Immunex and
Amgen Inc. [NASDAQ: AMGN], the largest biotechnology company in the world.
The closing of the merger remains subject to the approval of the Federal
Trade Commission and other customary closing conditions.

An overwhelming majority of the outstanding shares of Immunex common stock,
were cast in favor of the proposed merger. As is customary, a certification
of the votes will be conducted and is expected to be complete next week.

Stockholders of Amgen earlier today approved the issuance of shares of
Amgen common stock required to complete the merger.

"We are very pleased with today's shareholder approval of our merger with
Amgen," said Ed Fritzky, Immunex chairman and chief executive officer. "The
strategic vision of the combined companies will expand future patient
benefits by harnessing the significant resources, talents and assets of our
companies."

The company expects the merger to be completed in the second half of 2002
and could be completed as early as June 2002, although the exact timing
cannot be predicted with certainty.

Immunex Corporation is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to
improving lives through immune system science innovations.

Note: Except for the historical information contained herein, this news
release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks
and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results or
timelines to differ materially are risks associated with research and
clinical development, regulatory approvals, our supply capabilities and
reliance on third-party manufacturers, product commercialization,
competition, litigation and other risk factors listed from time to time in
reports filed by Immunex with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including but not limited to risks described under the caption "Important
Factors That May Affect Our Business, Our Results of Operation and Our
Stock Price" within our most recently filed Form 10-Q. The forward-looking
statements contained in this news release represent our judgment as of the
date of this release. Immunex undertakes no obligation to publicly update
any forward-looking statements. An electronic version of this news
release-as well as additional information about Immunex of interest to
investors, customer, future employees and patients-is available on the
Immunex home page at www.immunex.com.

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