| COOPERATION |
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. and CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- June 17, 2003 -- 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. 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 auto-antibodies 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. |
| UPDATE | 17.06.03 |
| COMPANY |
- Biogen - Genentech |
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