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Biotechnology Companies

by Idan Ivri

What is a biotechnology company?
Pharmaceutical Companies
Bioinformatics and Genomics Companies
Biotechnology Equipment Companies

What is a biotechnology company?

Biotechnology is a term that encompasses many smaller fields. "Biotechnology" is an aspect of technology concerned with the application of biological and engineering data to problems relating to man and the machine. Companies that develop pharmaceuticals, drug delivery platforms, cell culture technologies, genetic engineering, agribusiness and even personal or home medical devices all fall under the classification "biotechnology." Although they might collaborate with governmental projects on occasion, these companies are primarily private, for profit, corporate entities.

Following is a small list of several types of biotechnology companies today. In total, there are thousands of such companies in the US.

Pharmaceutical Companies

Pharmaceutical Companies develop new drugs to treat various diseases.

Glaxo-Wellcome/ SmithKline Beecham-These two large pharmaceutical companies are undergoing a merger at this time. When the merger is complete, Glaxo-Smithkline will be the largest pharmaceutical company in the world. Both companies currently offer dozens of medications for various ailments. Glaxo-Smithkline will truly be a giant in the drug development field.

Glaxo-Wellcome
Smithkline Beecham

Amgen-Originally Applied Molecular Genetics, Amgen is the world's largest independent biotechnology firm. Amgen was founded in 1980 in Thousand Oaks, CA. The company is primarily involved with using small molecules and naturally occurring proteins as medical treatments. Currently, the company has three drugs on the market.
Amgen's first product, called Epogenä, was completely approved by the FDA in 1989. The drug stimulates and regulates the production of red blood cells. Epogenä treats anemia. Amgen's second drug, called Neupogenä, stimulates production of white blood cells. Neupogenä is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy to prevent infection in cancer patients. Infergenä is Amgen's third and latest drug. Infergen is a treatment for chronic hepatitis. Amgen continues to work toward finding novel therapeutics and has a number of drugs awaiting FDA approval or undergoing clinical trials.

Amgen

Biogen-Biogen is one of the world's oldest biotechnology companies. Founded in 1978, Biogen today is primarily a pharmaceutical company. The FDA approved Biogen's first proprietary drug in 1996. Called Avonexä, the drug has been proven to slow the progression of Multiple Sclerosis. MS patients can often retain their normal levels of function longer if they take Avonexä.

Biogen

Genentech-a group that included Dr. Herbert W. Boyer, one of the pioneers of recombinant DNA technology, founded Genentech in 1976. Genentech has received FDA approval for many drugs in its near 25-year history. Two of Genentech's drugs are chemotherapy agents. Herceptinä is designed to treat a specific type of metastic breast cancer. Rituxanä, developed along with IDEC Pharmaceuticals, is designed to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system. Genentech has also developed two drugs for use against heart attacks and strokes. TNKaseä is a 'clot buster' for the emergency treatment of heart attack. Activaseä has been approved for use in stroke patients within three hours of the onset of symptoms. The company has also developed a drug, called Pulmozymeä, for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. The drug can even be administered to patients under the age of 5. Genentech's remaining 4 drugs are various types of growth hormone to treat both adults and children who have a deficiency.

Genentech

Human Genome Sciences-Founded in 1992, Human Genome Sciences is primarily concerned with genomics-based pharmaceuticals. For example, the company is currently synthesizing human proteins for use as medication. Although no products have achieved final FDA approval yet, HGS has 3 drugs in the clinical testing phase.
Repifermin is a naturally occurring human protein that can repair both the dermal and epidermal layers of skin. Chronic, non-healing wounds are a significant threat to the health of older people. Mirostipen is a substance designed to lessen the debilitating side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs. Cancer cells are identifiable because they divide so quickly. Chemotherapy drugs are designed to destroy any such quickly dividing cell. Unfortunately, certain types of non-cancerous blood cells also divide very quickly, and the chemotherapy agent destroys those cells in the process. Mirostipen is designed to protect non-cancerous cells from chemotherapy. HGS has also recently identified a 'B Lymphocyte Stimulator.' This protein is an immune system booster. It stimulates the production of antibodies. Drugs based on this protein can be used to treat any number of human immunodeficiency conditions.

HGS

Millennium Pharmaceuticals-Founded in 1993, Millennium Pharmaceuticals' primary focus is the development of small molecule biotherapeutics (proteins and antibodies). The company has yet to place any of its drugs into full commercialization. Its product nearest commercialization is called Melastatin. Melastatin is a diagnostic drug designed to indicate whether patients with melanoma are at risk for metastases. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that sometimes spreads to other parts of the body. The process of this spread, called metastasis, is often fatal. The company's product chain currently includes 6 drugs in some stage of clinical testing. 4 of those drugs treat inflammation, and 2 are cancer treatments.

Millennium Pharmaceuticals

IDEC Pharmaceuticals-Monoclonal antibodies were hailed in the 70's and 80's as a futuristic cure for various diseases. These antibodies are basically clones (copies) of the antibodies the body naturally produces to combat a particular disease. Essentially scientists boosted the body's own immune system with antibodies that it needed but could no longer naturally produce. Unfortunately, early tests did not prove very successful. In 1997, however, the FDA gave its authorization to IDEC Pharmaceuticals and Genentech to market a monoclonal antibody called Rituxanä to treat certain types of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This drug, compared to traditional chemo and radiation therapy, greatly reduces the occurrence of side effects in patients.

IDEC Pharmaceuticals

Gilead Sciences-Founded in 1987, Gilead Sciences primarily researches drugs for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. AmBisome is designed to treat infection by certain fungal and parasitic organisms. Tamiflu is one of the first drugs in the latest line of antiviral medications against influenza. DaunoXome is the first drug approved by the FDA to treat AIDS related Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer of the blood vessels. Finally, Vistide is an antiviral medication designed to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, an opportunistic infection in AIDS sufferers.

Gilead Sciences

Bioinformatics and Genomics Companies

Bioinformatics and genomics companies are involved in sequencing, analyzing, and systemizing the human genome. The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Insitutes of Health have coordinated much of this effort.

Celera Genomics-Unlike the other companies profiled thus far, Celera Genomics is not interested in producing pharmaceuticals. Instead, the company is involved in sequencing the human, mouse, and fruit fly genomes. That information will be completely compiled by the end of 2000. Celera Genomics will provide this enormous database of information (and the computing tools with which to view it) to pharmaceutical companies by subscription. Along with the genome sequence, Celera will also provide information on gene expression, protein composition, and genetic variation. This wealth of knowledge will assist drug companies in creating more effective drugs in the future. Celera Genomics' project to sequence the human genome is being performed in conjunction with many other labs and government agencies.

Celeral Genomics

Incyte Genomics-Incyte Genomics is one of the many 'bioinformatics' companies working with governmental agencies to map the human genome. Incyte develops software to view the information and sells the genetic code by subscription to academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies.

Incyte Genomics

Affymetrix-Affymetrix specializes in analyzing and managing complex genetic information. Its GeneChip ® technology consists of various arrays which can be analyzed by the included software tools. This technology offers researchers easy access to specific locations on a given gene.

Affymetrix

Biotechnology Equipment Companies

Biotechnology Equipment companies supply the reagents, tools, and services that labs require.

Analytical Biological Services, Inc.-ABS provides bioreagent preparations, cell cultures, and blood components to research labs. New technologies in this field will allow scientists in pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs more quickly and effectively.

Analytical Biological Services, Inc.

A.G. Scientific Inc.-A.G. Scientific provides biochemicals and immunochemicals for scientific research. Hundreds of chemicals with thousands of uses are available to labs through the company.

A.G. Scientific Inc.

	Biotechnology Companies

	by Idan Ivri What is a biotechnology company? Pharmaceutical Companies Bioinformatics and Genomics Companies Biotechnology Equipment Companies What is a biotechnology company? Biotechnology is a term that encompasses many smaller fields. "Biotechnology" is an aspect of technology concerned with the application of biological and engineering data to problems relating to man and the machine. Companies that develop pharmaceuticals, drug delivery platforms, cell culture technologies, genetic engineering, agribusiness and even personal or home medical devices all fall under the classification "biotechnology." Although they might collaborate with governmental projects on occasion, these companies are primarily private, for profit, corporate entities. Following is a small list of several types of biotechnology companies today. In total, there are thousands of such companies in the US. Pharmaceutical Companies Pharmaceutical Companies develop new drugs to treat various diseases. Glaxo-Wellcome/ SmithKline Beecham-These two large pharmaceutical companies are undergoing a merger at this time. When the merger is complete, Glaxo-Smithkline will be the largest pharmaceutical company in the world. Both companies currently offer dozens of medications for various ailments. Glaxo-Smithkline will truly be a giant in the drug development field. Glaxo-Wellcome Smithkline Beecham Amgen-Originally Applied Molecular Genetics, Amgen is the world's largest independent biotechnology firm. Amgen was founded in 1980 in Thousand Oaks, CA. The company is primarily involved with using small molecules and naturally occurring proteins as medical treatments. Currently, the company has three drugs on the market. Amgen's first product, called Epogenä, was completely approved by the FDA in 1989. The drug stimulates and regulates the production of red blood cells. Epogenä treats anemia. Amgen's second drug, called Neupogenä, stimulates production of white blood cells. Neupogenä is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy to prevent infection in cancer patients. Infergenä is Amgen's third and latest drug. Infergen is a treatment for chronic hepatitis. Amgen continues to work toward finding novel therapeutics and has a number of drugs awaiting FDA approval or undergoing clinical trials. Amgen Biogen-Biogen is one of the world's oldest biotechnology companies. Founded in 1978, Biogen today is primarily a pharmaceutical company. The FDA approved Biogen's first proprietary drug in 1996. Called Avonexä, the drug has been proven to slow the progression of Multiple Sclerosis. MS patients can often retain their normal levels of function longer if they take Avonexä. Biogen Genentech-a group that included Dr. Herbert W. Boyer, one of the pioneers of recombinant DNA technology, founded Genentech in 1976. Genentech has received FDA approval for many drugs in its near 25-year history. Two of Genentech's drugs are chemotherapy agents. Herceptinä is designed to treat a specific type of metastic breast cancer. Rituxanä, developed along with IDEC Pharmaceuticals, is designed to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system. Genentech has also developed two drugs for use against heart attacks and strokes. TNKaseä is a 'clot buster' for the emergency treatment of heart attack. Activaseä has been approved for use in stroke patients within three hours of the onset of symptoms. The company has also developed a drug, called Pulmozymeä, for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. The drug can even be administered to patients under the age of 5. Genentech's remaining 4 drugs are various types of growth hormone to treat both adults and children who have a deficiency. Genentech Human Genome Sciences-Founded in 1992, Human Genome Sciences is primarily concerned with genomics-based pharmaceuticals. For example, the company is currently synthesizing human proteins for use as medication. Although no products have achieved final FDA approval yet, HGS has 3 drugs in the clinical testing phase. Repifermin is a naturally occurring human protein that can repair both the dermal and epidermal layers of skin. Chronic, non-healing wounds are a significant threat to the health of older people. Mirostipen is a substance designed to lessen the debilitating side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs. Cancer cells are identifiable because they divide so quickly. Chemotherapy drugs are designed to destroy any such quickly dividing cell. Unfortunately, certain types of non-cancerous blood cells also divide very quickly, and the chemotherapy agent destroys those cells in the process. Mirostipen is designed to protect non-cancerous cells from chemotherapy. HGS has also recently identified a 'B Lymphocyte Stimulator.' This protein is an immune system booster. It stimulates the production of antibodies. Drugs based on this protein can be used to treat any number of human immunodeficiency conditions. HGS Millennium Pharmaceuticals-Founded in 1993, Millennium Pharmaceuticals' primary focus is the development of small molecule biotherapeutics (proteins and antibodies). The company has yet to place any of its drugs into full commercialization. Its product nearest commercialization is called Melastatin. Melastatin is a diagnostic drug designed to indicate whether patients with melanoma are at risk for metastases. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that sometimes spreads to other parts of the body. The process of this spread, called metastasis, is often fatal. The company's product chain currently includes 6 drugs in some stage of clinical testing. 4 of those drugs treat inflammation, and 2 are cancer treatments. Millennium Pharmaceuticals IDEC Pharmaceuticals-Monoclonal antibodies were hailed in the 70's and 80's as a futuristic cure for various diseases. These antibodies are basically clones (copies) of the antibodies the body naturally produces to combat a particular disease. Essentially scientists boosted the body's own immune system with antibodies that it needed but could no longer naturally produce. Unfortunately, early tests did not prove very successful. In 1997, however, the FDA gave its authorization to IDEC Pharmaceuticals and Genentech to market a monoclonal antibody called Rituxanä to treat certain types of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This drug, compared to traditional chemo and radiation therapy, greatly reduces the occurrence of side effects in patients. IDEC Pharmaceuticals Gilead Sciences-Founded in 1987, Gilead Sciences primarily researches drugs for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. AmBisome is designed to treat infection by certain fungal and parasitic organisms. Tamiflu is one of the first drugs in the latest line of antiviral medications against influenza. DaunoXome is the first drug approved by the FDA to treat AIDS related Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer of the blood vessels. Finally, Vistide is an antiviral medication designed to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, an opportunistic infection in AIDS sufferers. Gilead Sciences Bioinformatics and Genomics Companies Bioinformatics and genomics companies are involved in sequencing, analyzing, and systemizing the human genome. The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Insitutes of Health have coordinated much of this effort. Celera Genomics-Unlike the other companies profiled thus far, Celera Genomics is not interested in producing pharmaceuticals. Instead, the company is involved in sequencing the human, mouse, and fruit fly genomes. That information will be completely compiled by the end of 2000. Celera Genomics will provide this enormous database of information (and the computing tools with which to view it) to pharmaceutical companies by subscription. Along with the genome sequence, Celera will also provide information on gene expression, protein composition, and genetic variation. This wealth of knowledge will assist drug companies in creating more effective drugs in the future. Celera Genomics' project to sequence the human genome is being performed in conjunction with many other labs and government agencies. Celeral Genomics Incyte Genomics-Incyte Genomics is one of the many 'bioinformatics' companies working with governmental agencies to map the human genome. Incyte develops software to view the information and sells the genetic code by subscription to academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies. Incyte Genomics Affymetrix-Affymetrix specializes in analyzing and managing complex genetic information. Its GeneChip ® technology consists of various arrays which can be analyzed by the included software tools. This technology offers researchers easy access to specific locations on a given gene. Affymetrix Biotechnology Equipment Companies Biotechnology Equipment companies supply the reagents, tools, and services that labs require. Analytical Biological Services, Inc.-ABS provides bioreagent preparations, cell cultures, and blood components to research labs. New technologies in this field will allow scientists in pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs more quickly and effectively. Analytical Biological Services, Inc. A.G. Scientific Inc.-A.G. Scientific provides biochemicals and immunochemicals for scientific research. Hundreds of chemicals with thousands of uses are available to labs through the company. A.G. Scientific Inc.