The Science of Biotechnology Molecular biology, the basic science underlying biotechnology, views humans and other living organisms as intricate collections of molecules. We apply molecular biology to medicine based on the premise that if we can better understand the body in molecular terms, we can develop therapeutics that address diseases at the molecular level.

Genentech researchers use the body's proteins, or molecules that mimic or block them, to discover new ways to treat disease. Drug discovery involves systematically identifying which proteins are contributing to problems in the body — either because they are absent, defective or excessive — and then identifying and engineering a protein or related molecule to correct the problem. Recombinant DNA technology, the task of cutting DNA from one organism and pasting it into a new organism that reproduces to make proteins of potential therapeutic value, is the technology at the foundation of biotechnology and Genentech. Other technologies include genomics, computer visualization of molecules, microarrays, sensitive assaying techniques, and advances in molecular biology itself.

While Genentech's research focuses primarily on protein (or large) molecules, non-protein (or small) molecule drug discovery is an area of increasing interest for the company. We have been growing our small molecule drug discovery activities both internally and through collaborations so that we can take advantage of our biological insights about targets inside the cell, and thereby continue to expand our capabilities to develop breakthrough therapies for unmet medical needs in oncology and other areas.

To learn about the various technologies and approaches we use in our Research organization, please visit the different pages in this section.