Immunex and Genentech Collaborate on Preclinical Study of TRAIL/Apo2L in Cancer Research

Strategic Insights -

Immunex and Genentech have reaffirmed their intention to move forward with their collaborative preclinical study of TRAIL/Apo2L in cancer research. Published experiments, including in vitro and in vivo preclinical models, have demonstrated that TRAIL/Apo2L has the ability to kill a broad cross-section of human tumor cell types without significantly affecting the survival of normal human cells. The two companies have been working together since 1999, and recent research from the University of Pittsburgh has highlighted the potential differences in biological properties between various forms of the TRAIL/Apo2L molecule.

Key Takeaways:

  • Immunex and Genentech have a joint preclinical research collaboration involving TRAIL/Apo2L, which was initiated in 1999.
  • Published experiments have shown that TRAIL/Apo2L can kill a broad range of human tumor cell types without harming normal human cells.
  • The University of Pittsburgh has developed a version of TRAIL/Apo2L that induces the death of isolated human hepatocytes in culture, highlighting potential differences in biological properties.
  • Scientists from Immunex, Genentech, and the University of Pittsburgh are comparing the effects of the University of Pittsburgh TRAIL material with the Immunex/Genentech TRAIL/Apo2L material on isolated human hepatocytes in culture.
  • The future development of TRAIL/Apo2L will be based on the results of numerous toxicology and other pre-clinical experiments, including the collaborative studies with Dr. Stephen Strom, Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Genentech has developed 13 approved biotechnology products, including 7 that are marketed directly in the United States.
  • Immunex Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving lives through immune system science innovations, and AHP owns a majority interest in Immunex.

Statistics:

  • 13 - The number of approved biotechnology products developed by Genentech.
  • 7 - The number of biotechnology products marketed directly in the United States by Genentech.
  • 2 - The number of companies collaborating on the preclinical study of TRAIL/Apo2L (Immunex and Genentech).
  • 1999 - The year in which Immunex and Genentech initiated their joint preclinical research collaboration involving TRAIL/Apo2L.

Sources:

  • NATURE MEDICINE, Volume 5, Number 2, February 1999
  • Immunex press release (no date mentioned in the original text)
  • Genentech press release (no date mentioned in the original text)
  • University of Pittsburgh research paper (no date mentioned in the original text)