Human Genome Sciences

Human Genome Sciences (HGS) was a biopharmaceutical corporation that specialized in the research and development of novel protein and small molecule drugs. The company was founded in 1992 and was based in Rockville, Maryland, United States. In 2012, HGS was acquired by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a British multinational pharmaceutical company.

History

HGS was established in 1992 by William A. Haseltine, a renowned scientist in the field of genomics. The company was one of the pioneers in the use of human genome sequencing for drug discovery. In its early years, HGS collaborated with several other companies and academic institutions to identify and patent thousands of human genes.

In 2003, HGS received its first product approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Syncria, a drug used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. This was followed by the approval of Benlysta, a drug for the treatment of lupus, in 2011.

In 2012, HGS was acquired by GlaxoSmithKline for $3.6 billion. The acquisition was part of GSK's strategy to strengthen its portfolio of innovative pharmaceuticals.

Research and Development

HGS's research and development efforts were focused on the discovery of novel protein and small molecule drugs. The company used a variety of techniques, including genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics, to identify potential drug targets.

One of the company's most significant achievements was the development of Benlysta, the first new drug for lupus in over 50 years. Benlysta works by inhibiting the activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), a protein that stimulates the production of autoantibodies in lupus patients.

Impact

The work of HGS has had a significant impact on the field of genomics and drug discovery. The company's approach to using human genome sequencing for drug discovery has been adopted by many other biopharmaceutical companies. Furthermore, the development of Benlysta has provided a new treatment option for lupus patients, improving their quality of life.

See Also

• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Genomics
• Drug discovery

References

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