Immunex Corporation and Genentech, Inc. Join
Forces to Develop TRAIL/Apo2L in Cancer
Tuesday June 1, 8:30 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Immunex Corporation
biz.yahoo.com
SEATTLE and SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Immunex
Corporation (Nasdaq: IMNX - news) and Genentech, Inc. (NYSE: GNE - news) announced today that the two companies
agreed to jointly develop TRAIL/Apo2L, an entirely new approach to research in the fight against cancer. Pending FDA
approval, the companies have also agreed to jointly commercialize the product.
''Combining our world class leadership in science and pharmaceutical development enhances our ability to more efficiently
evaluate TRAIL/Apo2L and its potential to fight cancer,'' said Arthur D. Levinson, PhD, Genentech president and CEO, and
Ed Fritzky, Immunex chairman and CEO, in a joint statement. ''Should the science and clinical studies prove consistent with the
preclinical findings that the molecule has already shown, our companies are poised to move to the next level of development
with this new technology.''
Immunex and Genentech have each conducted extensive preclinical testing of different forms of TRAIL/Apo2L.
TRAIL/Apo2L, also known as TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, appears in animal models to suppress tumor growth
and causes remission of tumors, by a direct and specific mechanism known as apoptosis, or programmed cell death.
TRAIL/Apo2L binds to at least four distinct receptors found on many tumor cells and signals these cells to destroy themselves
through apoptosis. In preclinical research, TRAIL/Apo2L has been shown to cause a wide variety of tumor cells to undergo
apoptosis while sparing normal cells. Preclinical studies have not identified significant toxicities from TRAIL/Apo2L
administration.
The companies will form a joint steering committee and project team to select a single lead molecule for development, manage
the development process, and allocate clinical, manufacturing and marketing responsibilities to each company. Immunex and
Genentech each have filed patent applications covering TRAIL/Apo2L and its uses, and Immunex was awarded a patent
covering the TRAIL gene in June 1998. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, the companies will share all
development and commercialization costs. The companies will co-promote TRAIL/Apo2L worldwide using the oncology sales
forces of both companies. Profits from the worldwide sales of the product will be shared.
Immunex Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing immune system science to protect human
health. The company's products offer hope to patients with cancer, inflammatory and infectious diseases.
American Home Products owns a majority interest in Immunex. AHP is one of the world's largest research-based
pharmaceutical and health care products companies. It is a leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing
of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications. It is also a leader in vaccines, biotechnology, agricultural products and
animal health care.
Genentech, Inc. is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and markets human
pharmaceuticals for significant unmet medical needs. Twelve of the currently marketed biotechnology products stem from
Genentech science. Genentech markets seven biotechnology products directly in the United States. The company has
headquarters in South San Francisco, California, and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange
under the symbol GNE.
NOTE: This news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to Immunex that involve risks and uncertainties,
including risks associated with clinical development, regulatory approvals, patent litigation, product commercialization, and
other risks described from time to time in the SEC reports filed by Immunex, including the most recently filed form 10-K and
form 10-Q. For more information, please refer to www.immunex.com.
An electronic version of this news release -- as well as additional information about Immunex of interest to investors,
customers, future employees and patients -- is available on the Immunex home page at www.immunex.com.
SOURCE: Immunex Corporation
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