 |
 Andrew C. Chan, Senior Vice President, Immunology and Antibody Engineering |
In 2003, Genentech launched its first marketed project for an immunological disease, Xolair® (Omalizumab) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe allergic asthma. Soon after, we launched Raptiva® (efalizumab) for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Finally, in late 2006, we received approval for our non-Hodgkin's lymphoma drug Rituxan® (Rituximab) for the treatment of anti-TNF resistant rheumatoid arthritis. As our understanding of the mechanism(s) of these three therapies increase, our Development colleagues continue to test these therapies in a variety of additional clinical indications.
Our basic research and discovery efforts in the Department of Immunology include aspects of both innate and adaptive immunity. Understanding basic mechanisms of immune cell function provide us with scientific opportunities to attenuate as well as to augment immune function for the treatment of autoimmune and oncologic indications, respectively.
Our Antibody Engineering Department, under the direction of Henry Lowman, Director, is responsible for generation of monoclonal antibodies for both research and therapeutic uses through hybridoma and phage display technologies. In addition, the Department also houses the molecular engineering group to generate therapeutic candidates and to discover novel technologies to alter antibody functions.
Our Protein Chemistry Department, under the direction of Dan Eaton, Director, is responsible for understanding and characterization of proteins. These include state of the art techniques to analyze post-translational modifications and protein content, as well as a diverse set of collaborations with other departments to discover new biologies related to immunology, oncology and angiogenic processes.
Consistent with Genentech's overall discovery philosophy, research in Immunology, Antibody Engineering and Protein Chemistry relies heavily on an in-depth understanding of the basic biological processes that regulate normal cell function. The latter leads to more innovative and productive experimental strategies. In addition, strong interdepartmental collaborations with Molecular Biology, Pathology, Bioinformatics and Oncology enable Scientists in all Departments to apply their research efforts to result in productive discoveries.
Finally, an equally important goal for Genentech research is to create a nurturing yet stimulating environment that enables investigators to make important novel discoveries and to bring these discoveries into the forefront of clinical research within a short time frame.
Recruitment The Genentech Immunology Department is actively recruiting outstanding Scientists and Research Associates who are committed to discovery of novel immune biology and therapeutics.