Genentech's Immunology/Infectious Disease Deal Maker On Following The Science

Genentech’s infectious diseases and immunology dealmaker speaks to Scrip about the significance of following the science when it comes to partnering.

Miniature people
Genentech had been closely monitoring the microbiome space for “at least four years” before a deal was struck • Source: Shutterstock

When reflecting on the licensing deals inked this year by biotech behemoth Genentech Inc., two really stand out: the June deal with microbiome company Microbiotica Ltd. to discover, develop and commercialize treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), (Also see "Genentech Mines The Microbiome Again With IBD Deal" - Scrip, 7 June, 2018.) and the collaboration signed with Germany’s Affimed NV to develop and commercialize novel natural killer (NK) cell engager-based immunotherapeutics to treat multiple cancers. (Also see "Roche Pact Is Affirmation Of Affimed Technology " - Scrip, 28 August, 2018.)

Both these deals bring cutting edge science to Roche's biotech arm, says Don O’Sullivan, the company’s head of Immunology and Infectious Disease business development, and the man behind Genentech’s move into the science and potential of the microbiome

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Deals

Sanofi R&D Head’s Words Of Wisdom For Biotechs

 
• By 

Houman Ashrafian tells delegates at Swiss Biotech Day that ‘literally only two things matter in our industry – target credentialing and differentiated pharmacology. The rest is execution.’

Shionogi In $1bn Deal For Japan Tobacco’s Pharma Ops

 
• By 

Mid-sized Japanese pharma firm to acquire tobacco giant’s pharma operations and take private the listed Torii Pharmaceutical business, in bid to build sales reach and strengthen manufacturing.

Lilly And Alchemab Tap Into Resilient Individuals To Develop ALS Drug

 

The pharma company is helping to validate the biotech’s model by developing a novel amyotrophic lateral sclerosis candidate, based on its novel approach that ‘turns drug discovery on its head’.

Deal Watch: Lilly Looks To Creyon For Oligonucleotides

 
• By 

Plus deals involving J&J/Addex/Sinntaxis, Concentra/Kronos, Granata/Oviva, Coeptis/Z Squared, Ligand/Channel and more.

More from Business

Sanofi R&D Head’s Words Of Wisdom For Biotechs

 
• By 

Houman Ashrafian tells delegates at Swiss Biotech Day that ‘literally only two things matter in our industry – target credentialing and differentiated pharmacology. The rest is execution.’

Shionogi In $1bn Deal For Japan Tobacco’s Pharma Ops

 
• By 

Mid-sized Japanese pharma firm to acquire tobacco giant’s pharma operations and take private the listed Torii Pharmaceutical business, in bid to build sales reach and strengthen manufacturing.

Sarepta Slammed By Double Blow: Elevidys Sales Miss, Prasad’s CBER Appointment

 
• By 

Sarepta’s stock price was battered after Vinay Prasad was appointed to lead the US FDA’s CBER, then the company’s shares were bruised when Q1 Elevidys sales came in below consensus.