Key Milestones Achieved In Genentech's Biooncology Initiative

10-Dec-2001

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO -- Dec. 7, 2001 -- Genentech, Inc. today reported, in anticipation of upcoming major oncology meetings, key advancements in its portfolio of novel marketed and pipeline targeted therapies for the treatment of cancer, the number two fatal disease in the United States. Genentech's BioOncology initiative includes Rituxan® (Rituximab) and Herceptin® (Trastuzumab), the first two FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies for cancer, Avastin™ (bevacizumab) and Tarceva™ (erlotinib), currently in Phase III trials for numerous advanced cancers and a pipeline of early-stage product candidates.

"In under five years since the launch of our BioOncology initiative, we have built a premier portfolio of targeted therapies aimed at treating some of the most difficult-to-treat-cancers," said Susan D. Hellmann, M.D., MPH, Genentech's executive vice president, Development and Product Operations and chief medical officer. "We continue to see data from monoclonal antibodies such as Herceptin and Rituxan demonstrating that targeted therapies have changed the way that cancer is treated, and most importantly are part of regimens that are extending patients' lives."

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous