Halozyme’s PH20 enzyme (blue) is shown degrading hyaluronan (brown) so that the therapeutic drug (red) can get through the extracellular matrix; collagen (gray) remains intact.

Roche Takes a Stab at Getting mAbs Under the Skin

Estimates of total worldwide mAb sales in 2008 range from $25.1 billion to $32 billion, and mAbs now command between 25% to 30% of the global biologic drug market. Improved administration could thus enhance uptake and compliance, in turn padding a company’s bottom line. With the complete takeover of Genentech, which focused on mAbs, Roche seems to have turned its attention to facilitating deliverability of these drugs. Earlier this month the company decided to spend $181 million or so (CHF 190 million) on two European manufacturing facilities to develop a patient-friendly device that could allow the subcutaneous self-administration of its biological anticancer drugs. Additionally, it paid Halozyme Therapeutics $20 million up front and agreed to another $581 million in milestones in December 2006 for exclusive, global rights to the firm’s delivery technology.

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