Biotech Pioneers to Jointly Develop Protein for Rheumatology
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., and CAMBRIDGE, Mass. June 17 /PRNewswire-
FirstCall/ -- Genentech, Inc. (NYSE: DNA) and Biogen, Inc. (Nasdaq: BGEN)
today announced a collaboration for the research and development of a BR3
(BAFF-R) protein therapeutic currently in Biogen's pipeline. Financial terms
were not disclosed.
(Logo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990824/BIOLOGO )
The protein is a B-cell activating factor receptor of the TNF family and
is a key target for developing drugs to treat disorders associated with
abnormal B-lymphocyte activity, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Both
parties will be collaborating on development efforts.
"It's becoming clear that B-cells drive many autoimmune and inflammatory
disorders. The BAFF-R system is a key control point for B-cell development. We
are pleased to be working with Genentech to turn this biological insight into
what we hope will be a powerful new therapy for patients," said Michael
Gilman, Ph.D., Biogen's Senior Vice President, Research.
"We look forward to working with Biogen on BR3, a target of potentially
great importance in the area of autoimmune disease," said Richard Scheller,
Ph.D., Genentech's Senior Vice President, Research. "Genentech and Biogen are
leaders in advancing the understanding and treatment of autoimmune disorders
and are entering into this collaboration to promote scientific progress in
this area."
BAFF-R was first identified by Biogen. It stimulates B-lymphocytes to
develop into mature B-cells that produce antibodies, the body's first line of
defense against infection. In rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune
diseases, higher levels contribute to production of autoantibodies that attack
and destroy the body's own tissue and organs.
Biogen has developed a BR3 protein therapeutic that acts by inhibiting
over stimulation of B-cell development to restore system to normal.
Preclinical studies conducted at Biogen show it can reverse the effects of
autoimmune disease in in-vivo models.
Genentech scientists have helped to expand the understanding of the role
that B-cells play in autoimmune disease. Preclinical studies have identified
the core region of the BR3 protein that is a key cellular receptor in the B-
cell survival pathway. In animal models that develop a condition that mimics
human lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, blocking the activation of BR3
significantly reduced disease symptoms. Biogen and Genentech will combine
their pioneering efforts in this pathway to rapidly develop a new therapeutic
protein.
Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Biogen's
expectations about the therapeutic potential of an early stage product. These
statements are based on the Biogen's current beliefs and expectations.
Biogen's expectations as to the therapeutic potential of BAFF-R are subject to
the risks inherent in drug development, including the risk that the effects of
the product in humans may not be as expected or may not be consistent with the
scientific rationale or that there may be safety issues, unexpected technical
or manufacturing hurdles and intellectual property disputes. Drug development
involves a high degree of risk. Only a small number of research and
development programs result in the commercialization of a product. Success in
animal models or early stage clinical trials does not ensure that later stage
or larger scale clinical trials will be successful. For more detailed
information on the risks and uncertainties associated with these forward
looking statements and Biogen's other activities see the Outlook section in
MD&A of Biogen's Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q
filed with the SEC. Biogen does not undertake any obligation to publicly
update any forward-looking statements.
About Genentech
Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops,
manufactures and commercializes biotherapeutics for significant unmet medical
needs. Fifteen of the currently approved biotechnology products originated
from or are based on Genentech science. Genentech manufactures and
commercializes ten biotechnology products directly in the United States. The
company has headquarters in South San Francisco, California and is traded on
the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DNA. For press releases and
additional information about the company, please visit http://www.gene.com.
About Biogen
Biogen is the world's oldest independent biotechnology company and a
leader in biologics research, development and manufacturing. A pioneer in
leading edge research in immunology, neurobiology and oncology, Biogen brings
novel therapies to improve patients' lives around the world through its global
marketing capabilities. For press releases and additional information about
the company, please visit http://www.biogen.com.
Media Contact: Media Contact:
Amy McKnight Mark Krajnak
Associate Director, Public Affairs Genentech, Inc.
Biogen, Inc. Tel: (650) 225-2792
Tel: (617) 914-6524
Investment Community Contact: Investment Community Contact:
Christina Dillon Kathee Littrell
Manager, Investor Relations Genentech, Inc.
Biogen, Inc. Tel: (650) 225-1034
Tel: (617) 679-2812
SOURCE Biogen, Inc.
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Related links:
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Company News On-Call:
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CONTACT:
Media Contact: Amy McKnight, Associate
Director, Public Affairs for Biogen, Inc., +1-617-914-6524; or
Mark Krajnak for Genentech, Inc., +1-650-225-2792; or Investment
Community Contact: Christina Dillon, Manager, Investor Relations
for Biogen, Inc., +1-617-679-2812; or Kathee Littrell for
Genentech, Inc., +1-650-225-1034
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