Media Release
Basel, 2 April 2007
Roche
acquires THP to expand its therapeutic antibody research
Roche
today announced that it has acquired Therapeutic Human Polyclonals, Inc. (THP) a privately-owned biotechnology
company based in California and Germany. With its focus on innovative antibody research, THP will be
a valuable addition to Roche’s research organization.
"We are delighted
about this acquisition as it builds on our strength in therapeutic antibodies," said Jonathan Knowles,
Head of Global Research. "THP and its employees will add cutting-edge capabilities and represent
an excellent strategic fit with our own R&D organization. We look forward to welcoming the new members
to Roche."
Roche paid 56.5 million US dollars in cash to acquire
100% ownership of THP and plans to fully integrate THP into the Roche Pharma Center of Excellence for
Protein Research in Penzberg, Germany.
Modern medical biotechnology uses
a wide range of methods to diagnose and treat diseases - from the production of natural products and
gene therapy to therapeutic proteins and antibodies. As a company heavily invested in biotechnology
and focused on providing added value to patients and healthcare providers, the development of therapeutic
proteins and antibodies remains a major emphasis at Roche.
About
THP
THP is an emerging biotechnology company focused on research in the field
of human antibody technologies. THP has developed a unique transgenic mammalian platform to create human
antibodies. The technology will enable the generation of both monoclonal and polyclonal antibody therapeutics
with enhanced efficacy.
About Roche
Headquartered
in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups in the
fields of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. As the world’s biggest biotech company and an innovator of
products and services for the early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, the
Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people’s health and quality of life. Roche
is the world leader in in-vitro diagnostics and drugs for cancer and transplantation, a market leader
in virology and active in other major therapeutic areas such as autoimmune diseases, inflammation, metabolism
and central nervous system. In 2006 sales by the Pharmaceuticals Division totalled 33.3 billion Swiss
francs, and the Diagnostics Division posted sales of 8.7 billion Swiss francs. Roche employs roughly
75,000 worldwide and has R&D agreements and strategic alliances with numerous partners, including
majority ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai. Additional information about the Roche Group is
available on the Internet at www.roche.com.
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